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Police give eviction notice to travellers causing havoc in Boston

A large number of incidents are under investigation

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Lincolnshire Police has handed out an eviction notice to a group of travellers responsible for causing “significant disruption and distress” in Boston town centre.

The force has given the illegal encampment on Tunnard Street car park a 24-hour notice to move on, after which they will resort to enforcement measures.

Comprising of approximately 30-40 caravans and housing up to 100 Irish travellers, the site is suspected of association with various incidents of anti-social behaviour on Tuesday evening.

Read the full story on MyLocal Lincolnshire, the new home of The Lincolnite

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Lincolnshire business excellence awards 2024 now open for entries celebrate innovation and achievement in the greater lincolnshire area with a chance to spotlight your business.

The 2024 Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards are now open for nominations, seeking to spotlight outstanding businesses within the Greater Lincolnshire area.

Hosted by Stonebow Media, the publisher behind The Lincolnite and the MyLocal platform, this prestigious event is designed to honour the achievements of the regional business community.

Thanks to the headline sponsorship from the University of Lincoln Enterprise & Research department, the Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards are a unique opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of local enterprises.

The awards are also sponsored by Ringrose Law, Duncan & Toplis, Sills & Betteridge and Pearson Hydraulics . A small number of sponsorship opportunities remain available. Contact [email protected] to discuss partnerships.

Businesses can nominate themselves across eleven awards categories:

• SME of the Year
• Family Business of the Year
• International Business Achiever of the Year
• Business Innovation/Innovator of the Year
• Emerging Business of the Year
• Charitable Business of the Year
• Environmental/Sustainable Business of the Year
• Rising Star of the Year
• Business Leader of the Year
• Business of the Year
• Tech Business of the Year

Nominate now! Entries open on the Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards website.

The deadline for nominations is May 24 , with the judges’ deliberation lunch set for May 29 .   The judging panel includes business experts and professionals from Lincolnshire and event sponsors.

The Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards 2024 gala will take place at the Engine Shed on July 12, 2024 .

For more details on the categories, sponsors, and judges, visit the Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards website.

Reasons to enter:

• Enhance profile & credibility: Securing an award or being shortlisted acts as a powerful endorsement, signaling trustworthiness to potential customers and helping to distinguish your business from competitors. Displaying the award on your communications can significantly boost your brand’s perception.
• Insightful focus & feedback : The application process encourages deep reflection on your business strategy and direction, offering invaluable feedback and clarity, even for new ventures.
• Team confidence boost : Recognition from the awards can significantly uplift your team’s morale, affirming the value and potential of your business in the eyes of industry experts.
• Marketing & PR boost : Being associated with the awards, even as a nominee, can enhance brand visibility, providing ample content opportunities for social media and other marketing channels.
• Networking opportunities : The awards connect you with local business leaders and experts, offering a platform to seek advice, share ideas, and foster future partnerships. The ceremony itself is an excellent occasion for networking with peers and celebrating mutual successes.
• Potential to win: Entering offers a chance to win and gain all the associated benefits, but even without taking home a trophy, the process can yield significant advantages for your business.

Paws and reflect: Disabled Lincolnshire kitten stars in ‘The Pet Psychic’ show Pet Psychic Beth Lee-Crowther comes to the aid of pet owners on the Channel 5 show

Vet nurse Elisha Clarke from VetStation holding Cookie the kitten and stood with Pet Psychic Beth Lee-Crowther. | Photo: Channel 5

A Lady Gaga loving kitten owned by a couple who run a charity for disabled pets featured on Channel 5’s The Pet Psychic.

Pet Psychic Beth Lee-Crowther comes to the aid of pet owners and in Tuesday night’s episode she met Cookie the kitten, a depressed camel, and looked at whether a dog can predict the future.

Read the full story on MyLocal, the new home of The Lincolnite

Boston council leader says staff feared for their lives as travellers 'caused havoc' in town centre

She reassured residents that the council will do all it can to prevent it from happening again

• 17:48, 24 AUG 2023
• Updated 10:43, 25 AUG 2023

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A council leader says that her staff feared for their lives after a large group of travellers set up camp in the town. Around 30 vehicles arrived at Tunnard Street Car Park in Boston on Tuesday, August 22 and police received reports that evening that people were causing issues in and around the town centre.

Lincolnshire Police said the majority of these reports were around harassment and verbal abuse, stating that people from the illegal encampment were behind the incidents. Boston Market was cancelled on Wednesday, August 23 due to the alleged anti-social behaviour and many businesses in the town centre closed down for the safety of their staff and customers.

A 48 hour dispersal order was put in place across the town and notice was served on the illegal encampment for it to leave the Boston area - which it eventually did by around 11am on Thursday, August 24. Police later authorised a county-wide dispersal order covering the group from the illegal encampment in Boston - and ordering them to leave Lincolnshire.

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One of the businesses that closed down was the council-run swimming pool in the town centre. Leader of Boston Borough Council, Anne Dorrian, says that her staff were "traumatised" by the events.

She said: "We had an illegal encampment set up base here in Tunnard Street Car Park. This car park is owned by Boston Borough Council so we very quickly took action to speak to the travellers and try to get them to move on.

"They refused to do that, so we started working with Lincolnshire Police to use all the powers at our disposal to make sure we could get them evicted from this site as soon as practical. Within two hours of this encampment setting up, a large group of adult males went into the town centre and caused havoc. There was also a large group of teenagers that went into the town centre and caused havoc.

"They also went to the local swimming pool and caused a massive disruption there and actually put staff in fear of their lives. My staff are really traumatised by the threats and name calling towards the staff and threats of criminal damage towards their vehicles and possessions.

"We took the decision to close the pool temporarily for the safety of our residents and staff." Councillor Dorrian was pleased with Lincolnshire Police's efforts and has reassured residents that the council will do all it can to prevent it from happening again in the future.

She said: "I'm absolutely delighted with the police response because they're constrained by legislation just as we are. They've got to do things by the book and the book actually allows the travellers to be given so many hours' notice.

"It doesn't seem reasonable to the man and woman in the street but believe me it's the law and we all work within the parameters of the law."

She added: "I would like to reassure people that it is very safe to come back into the town centre and reuse our local businesses. They are open for business and I want local people to spend any money they can in their local shops.

"I also want to reassure people that lessons will be learned and where we can take practical steps to prevent this from happening again, we will. We can and we will look at putting height barriers in to prevent an invasion like that happening again."

With regards to the county-wide dispersal order in place, Superintendent Pat Coates of Lincolnshire Police said: "This is a fast-moving operation, and we are doing everything we can to reduce disruption to local residents and businesses. We are utilising the powers we have available to us and have deployed a number of officers to the town.

"We understand people will be concerned but we are working with our partners to resolve this issue as quickly and safely as possible."

• Boston Borough Council
• Lincolnshire Police
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Villagers oppose plans for new gypsy and traveller residential site near Boston

• Lincolnshire
• Monday 21 August 2023 at 12:11pm

Villagers in Lincolnshire have rallied against a planning application for a gypsy and travellers' site over concerns over its suitability.

The application seeks approval for 14 pitches on land close to the village of Kirton, near Boston , for up to three years.

The location, which is off Marsh Road, over four miles from the village centre, would fit up to 28 caravans.

Around 40 people gathered in Kirton Town Hall at a meeting to discuss the plans after they were submitted to Boston Borough Council in July.

A planning statement said the site would not be "transient".

“The applicants are all part of the traveller community as defined by the PPTS [planning policy for traveller sites]," it said.

"They wish to live a more settled life with access to educational and health services and alongside their family and relatives to support each other when necessary.”

Similar plans were presented last year but were refused by the council’s planning committee.

During the public meeting, borough councillor Ralph Pryke said there was "no reason" why the application should be treated differently.

He said he had sought a meeting with council leader Anne Dorian, saying: “I hope she will see sense."

The Environment Agency has re-affirmed its previous objection to the proposed site due to its location on land which is vulnerable to flooding.

Members of Kirton Parish Council have also said the site is "unsuitable".

"The fact that it’s travellers is neither here nor there, it could be any building application," said councillor Phillip Crisford. “It’s on unsuitable land and that’s all there is to it.”

Chairman Peter Watson said it was "very obvious" there was a lot of opposition to the application, noting that "not one person" at the meeting supported it. He later insisted that the parish council’s opposition to the application is in the “interest of the safety of the people on the site”.

One resident who attended the meeting but wished to remain anonymous expressed concerns about the infrastructure in Kirton, saying it was not equipped to accommodate the proposed number of families.

They pointed to the already over-stretched primary schools, extensive A&E wait times and the difficulty in securing dentist appointments.

“Everything about this area is just unsustainable for housing travelling families,” they said. “I want these people to have somewhere to live, but I’m afraid to say that this is the wrong place for them.”

Another resident, Ray Horry, said he feared for the safety of the community with travellers in, and complained about the lack of police in the community.

Anonymity concerns were also raised throughout the meeting, with attendees wary of officially objecting through the council’s planning portal for fear of their names and addresses being published.

One person reportedly told Cllr Pryke it was like the council "painting a big target" on their property.

Responding to these concerns, Cllr Pryke assured residents that objections could be made via council representatives and encouraged people to reach out to him directly.

Boston Borough Council’s planning committee is expected to discuss the latest proposal in its next meeting on 12 October.

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Why Go To Boston

Boston is not only a hub for baseball, brownstones and bookish collegiate types. It's also home to America's first large free municipal public library, the first subway system, the first public school and the first public park. To say the city is historic would be an understatement, but this wicked smart college town doesn't linger in the past, either. A well-rounded trip to Boston integrates the classic with the contemporary: Split your time between cherished sites like the  Paul Revere House  and  Faneuil Hall  and modern attractions like the  Museum of Fine Arts . Venture to Beacon Hill and you'll stumble upon the graceful mansions of yore juxtaposed with chic boutiques and innovative hotels. So, yes, come first for the history, but don't miss out on the opportunity to see the unmistakable Beantown flair. 

Despite Boston's rough-and-tumble reputation – garnered thanks to Hollywood appearances in gritty films like "Black Mass," "American Hustle" and "The Town" – but Boston's cool, cosmopolitan personality characterizes its trendy restaurants, urban parks and modern museums. Passionate residents are still rooting for their beloved Red Sox , but they're also venturing to the  Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway  for a free yoga class or meandering to the offbeat SoWa Open Market for some antique shopping. So, grab a stool and join them at their favorite pub to chow down on oyster shooters and New England clam chowder, or venture to Back Bay to sip a coffee as you stroll along the trendy Newbury Street. You'll need more than a few days to experience the city's wealth of offerings.

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Boston Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Boston is from June to October. Mild autumn weather makes touring around on foot a joy. And even though summer brings in swarms of tourists and expensive  hotel  rates, the sidewalk cafes, baseball games and outdoor concerts make it worth a trip. Winter is chilly, so pack a warm coat and a pair of boots if you decide to see Beantown sprinkled (or immersed) with snow. Another incentive for wintertime: you might catch a great deal on a hotel. If winter is too cold for you but summer and fall's hotel rates fall outside your budget, try visiting at the start of the spring season.

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What You Need to Know

No cars allowed Sure, tourists are allowed to drive cars around Boston, but why would you want to? Traffic and narrow roads, along with pricey parking, make driving here a nightmare. Take the "T" (Boston's subway) or rely on your own two feet.

Begin at Boston Common The nearly 3-mile-long  Freedom Trail  is a must-do for first-time visitors. To make the most of your tour, start at  Boston Common , the country's oldest public park and a convenient starting point for exploring the city's notable historical attractions.

You're in Red Sox territory If you're a die-hard Yankees fan, we'd keep it quiet… just saying.

Get a local's perspective It can feel a bit daunting to try and hit all of Boston's top attractions on a short visit. For a crash course in Boston history, food and culture, consider signing up for a tour. We've selected the best tours  in the city.

How to Save Money in Boston

Arrive in winter  Pack the parka and visit in the cooler months. Hotel rates offer the steepest discounts between December and February.

Go to museums when rates are reduced or free  The Museum of Fine Arts offers reduced admission after 3 p.m. every Wednesday (you'll pay $5 per person instead of $25 per person), and the  Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum  gives complimentary entry year-round to visitors named Isabella. Other sights may feature discounted rates on select days of the week, so look for museum deals and plan your visits accordingly.

Invest in a CityPASS or Go Boston Card  Purchasing a  Boston CityPASS  or  Go Boston Card  will save you big bucks on some of the city's top attractions. A CityPASS, which costs $64 for adults and $54 for kids, will save you between $41 and $57 per person, while Go Boston Cards (which are available for one to seven days) start at $76 for adults and $51 for children and include unlimited access around 40 attractions.

Culture & Customs

One of the most distinct parts of Boston is what is sometimes referred to as "Boston English," a dialect heard in countless movies and TV shows. The "r" sound is often dropped from words, so "car" becomes "cah" and "Harvard" becomes "Hah-vahd."

Boston is also a well-known sports city; it's the home of the Boston Red Sox (it would be best to avoid wearing any Yankees paraphernalia here), the New England Patriots, the Boston Bruins and the Boston Celtics. While you're in the city, be sure to indulge in this culture by catching a game or taking a tour of  Fenway Park . And if you're a college sports fan visiting in February, check out the Beanpot, an annual hockey tournament held at the TD Garden between Boston University, Boston College, Harvard University and Northeastern University.

Beantown also takes pride in its intellectual and academic roots. Around 100 colleges and universities call the Greater Boston area home, including some of the country's most prestigious. After the American Revolution, the city's leaders were determined to make Boston the world's new cradle of civilization. They invested money and brought in scholars to create a city of educated citizens that studied at Harvard University, Boston University, Boston College, Emerson College, Tufts University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology , to name a few. Today, this impressive collection of schools also keeps the area young and forward-thinking, as Boston has one of the largest student populations in the country.

What to Eat

Bostonian cuisine has undergone a gastronomical revolution in recent years, with a steady stream of new chefs putting their own spin on tried-and-true city classics like baked beans, fresh seafood and clam "chowdah" along with many innovative chefs moving in different directions entirely. A fun sampling of cuisines can be found at Time Out Market , where several of the city’s top chefs have spots.

Make sure to check out the North End for delicious Italian dishes and pastries like cannolis and rum cakes. Though most locals are loyal to either Mike's Pastry or Modern Pastry on Hanover Street, both offer top-notch sweets. Large international student bodies at universities like Harvard and MIT mean you'll enjoy everything from French to Moroccan fare in Cambridge . For an authentic tapas meal, make your way to the artsy South End neighborhood. Diners can savor Spanish-inspired bites like croquettes, ceviche and chorizo and potato empanadas at  Toro , one of the area's most popular tapas eateries. Another South End favorite is The Butcher Shop , where meat-centric entrees steal the spotlight. Or, for a taste of some of Boston's most inventive sushi entrees, venture to O Ya , where you can experience a 20-course chef’s tasting menu.

Should you crave more traditional New England fare, dine at historic Warren Tavern , where you can find local favorites like clam chowder, fish and chips and shepherd’s pie.  Another beloved establishment is Union Oyster House near Haymarket, where – you guessed it – freshly-shucked oysters have hooked patrons since the restaurant opened its doors in 1826. For a fun and tasty overview of the Boston dining scene, consider taking a food tour .

Though it's unlikely that you'll encounter any major crime as a Boston visitor, it's still wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially if you decide to branch away from tourist areas. Like you would in other large cities, keep track of your belongings and stick to well-lit and crowded streets, particularly at night. And be sure to steer clear of vacant subway cars in the evening and avoid visiting urban parks after dark. It's also a good idea to carry extra cash and the number of a reliable cab company, or download a ride-hailing app on your smartphone, if you plan to enjoy a fun night out on the town. Stay especially alert in areas like Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan, where reports of crime are not uncommon. All of these neighborhoods are situated south of Boston proper.

Getting Around Boston

The best way to get around in Boston is by walking. And when your itinerary takes you out of the city center, the second-best mode is the efficient "T" subway system, which includes subways, trains and trolleys along five separate lines. You can easily take the Blue Line from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to downtown Boston. Cabs are another option: Boston isn't a huge taxi town, but you can find them at several cabstands throughout the city and lining up outside of major hotels . Ride-hailing apps, such as Uber and Lyft, are also popular options. However, we do not suggest renting a car and driving yourself: Narrow, one-way roads and expensive parking make driving an avoidable hassle.

Many streets in downtown Boston still feature cobblestones, Old World lanterns and charming red brick buildings.

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Pedestrian struck, injured by mbta bus at busy boston intersection.

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Boston police confirmed that officers are investigating after a pedestrian was struck by an MBTA bus in the South End on Tuesday morning.

The incident occurred at the intersection of Harrison Avenue and Traveler Street at approximately 7:36 a.m. The bus came to a stop on a crosswalk for pedestrians on Harrison Avenue.

Several residential buildings and a hotel are located in that area.

MBTA Transit Police Superintendent Richard Sullivan said the pedestrian, an adult male, was seriously injured and was taken to an area hospital.

"Transit Police detectives are actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident," Sullivan said.

Boston police described the pedestrian's injuries as life-threatening and warned the investigation would impact traffic throughout the morning.

Several police vehicles were seen in the area, and yellow caution tape blocked part of the intersection.

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Court video, updates: Testimony in Karen Read murder trial resumes after jurors view crime scene

DEDHAM, Mass. — The Karen Read murder trial shifted outside the courtroom on Friday as jurors traveled to Canton to view the scene where Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe was found unresponsive in the snow in January 2022.

Before jurors made the 20-minute drive south to 34 Fairview Road, Canton Firefighter/Paramedic Katie McLaughlin returned to the witness stand for cross-examination.

• Watch Live: Testimony in Karen Read murder trial resumes after jurors view crime scene
• Testimony is also streaming on YouTube , Facebook , and X
• Live court updates from Boston 25′s Ted Daniel

WATCH LIVE: Witness testimony in Karen Read trial resumes after jurors view crime scene WATCH LIVE: Witness testimony in Karen Read trial resumes after jurors view Canton crime scene. Posted by Boston 25 News on Friday, May 3, 2024

During a compelling cross-examination, Read’s attorney Alan Jackson grilled McLaughlin about her apparent friendship with Caitlin Albert, who was alleged to be at a party inside the home of retired Boston Police Officer Brian Albert, on the night O’Keefe’s body was found outside.

Canton Firefighter Katie McLaughlin (Canton Firefighter Katie McLaughlin)

Jackson asked McLaughlin about a photo of her with her arm around Caitlin Albert. McLaughlin said she didn’t recollect where or when the picture was taken or remember the last time she communicated with her.

Jackson describes a photo where he says shows FF McLaughlin in a photo with her arm around Caitlin. McLaughlin. She says she doesn't recollect where or when the picture was taken. She doesn't remember the last time she communicated with her — Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) May 3, 2024

When jurors returned from the view shortly before 1 p.m. the prosecution called Canton Fire Lt. Greg Woodbury to the stand.

Woodbury testified that O’Keefe was covered in snow and not breathing when he arrived at 34 Fairview Road. He said O’Keefe had “prominent bruising” to his right eye and injuries to his arm.

Canton Fire Lt. Greg Woodbury (Canton Fire Lt. Greg Woodbury)

The court-conducted view comes after three days of testimony from first responders who were called to the scene of O’Keefe’s death on Jan. 29, 2022.

Read has been charged with second-degree murder and other charges in O’Keefe’s death.

Prosecutors say Read dropped O’Keefe off at a house party just after midnight and as she made a three-point turn, she allegedly struck O’Keefe before driving away. The defense alleges state and local law enforcement officials have framed her and allowed the real killer to go free.

On Thursday, those first responders testified that they tried to resuscitate O’Keefe. Dashcam video from a Canton police cruiser was also played, showing blizzard conditions at the scene.

Karen Read trial: Dash cam video shows Canton Police officer's arrival at 34 Fairview Rd on 1/29/22 Karen Read trial: Dash cam video shows Canton Police officer arrival at 34 Fairview Rd on 1/29/22

They were also questioned about what Read did or did not say as they prepared to transport O’Keefe to the hospital.

Two more Canton first responders said that they heard Read making incriminating statements . But one was questioned if he had ever shared Read’s admission before.

“She just repeated the phrase over and over again. I hit him, I hit him,” Canton Fire Lt. Anthony Flematti recalled. Firefighter Katie McLaughlin also said Read repeated, “I hit him.”

But when defense attorney Alan Jackson asked, “Have you ever said that in any context either to the police or to the grand jury before today?” Flematti said, “I don’t recall.”

McLaughlin said another woman on scene told Read she was hysterical and needed to calm down. McLaughlin also said she did not follow up because she had to drive the ambulance and it was said in front of a police officer.

Fatal hit-and-run: Karen Read, 41, of Mansfield, Mass., is charged with manslaughter in the Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, death of Boston police Officer John O’Keefe. O'Keefe, 46, was off duty at the time of his death. (Boston 25 News, Boston Police Department)

But one Canton firefighter said he heard something else.

Attorney David Yannetti questioned Lt. Francis Walsh, asking, “It was very easy for you to discern that her words were he’s dead, he’s [expletive] dead. Correct?” “Correct,” said Walsh.

After court, Yannetti commented on the testimony heard Thursday.

“I think they were all over the map, weren’t they? Everybody had a different version of what was said and I think much of it was unreliable,” he said.

Part 1 - Day 4 of testimony in the Karen Murder trial (Friday, May 3, 2024):

WATCH LIVE: Witness testimony continues on Day 4 of Karen Read murder trial. WATCH LIVE: Witness testimony continues on Day 4 of Karen Read murder trial before jurors travel to scene of John O'Keefe's death. Posted by Boston 25 News on Friday, May 3, 2024

Day 3 of testimony in the Karen Murder trial (Thursday, May 2, 2024):

WATCH LIVE: Witness testimony continues on day 3 of Karen Read murder trial. WATCH LIVE: Witness testimony continues on Day 3 of Karen Read murder trial. Posted by Boston 25 News on Thursday, May 2, 2024

Tuesday, April 30, 2024: Canton police officer, firefighters testify on 2nd day of Karen Read murder trial:

WATCH LIVE: Day 2 of testimony in the Karen Read murder trial starting soon. WATCH LIVE: Witness testimony continues on day 2 of the Karen Read murder trial Posted by Boston 25 News on Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Monday, April 29, 2024: Opening statements, testimony begins in Karen Read murder trial:

WATCH LIVE: Opening statements underway in Karen Read murder trial. WATCH LIVE: First witness is called in Karen Read murder trial after jurors hear opening statements. boston25.com/3UCmwRX Posted by Boston 25 News on Monday, April 29, 2024

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No charges for woman after bodies of 4 babies are found in Boston freezer

No charges will be filed against a 69-year-old woman after the bodies of four frozen infants were found in a Boston apartment freezer in 2022, the Suffolk County district attorney announced this week.

District Attorney Kevin Hayden called the investigation into the circumstances of the grim discovery on Nov. 17, 2022, “one of the most complex, unusual and perplexing that this office has ever encountered.”

Investigators don’t know whether the four babies were born alive, which in part led to the decision not to bring criminal charges, Hayden said in a statement Tuesday.

The babies were found in a freezer in an apartment in South Boston after a man called police and said his wife found them while she was cleaning out the apartment of the man’s sister, the district attorney’s office said.

The babies, two male and two female, were frozen solid in shoe boxes wrapped in foil, the prosecutor’s office said. DNA tests showed they were all siblings.

The medical examiner could not determine the cause of death or whether the babies were born alive — and there was no obvious trauma visible, the district attorney’s office said. The babies’ father, confirmed by DNA tests, died in 2011.

The mother is in a health-care facility and when investigators questioned her she “appeared confused and demonstrated a lack of understanding about where she was and who she was speaking to,” Hayden said in the statement.

“We will never know if the four babies were born alive, and we will never know exactly what happened to them,” he said, or why the woman concealed the pregnancies.

Investigators determined the woman had five children with the babies’ father, one of which was put up for adoption, Hayden said. The only birth record found was for the birth of one child, he said.

Phil Helsel is a reporter for NBC News.

Watch CBS News

Jurors in Karen Read murder trial to visit site where John O'Keefe's body was found

Masataka Yoshida won’t travel with Red Sox,…

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Masataka Yoshida won’t travel with Red Sox, surgery a possibility

Before the designated hitter even finished getting an MRI on Wednesday, the Red Sox placed him on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to Apr. 29) with a left-thumb strain.

On Thursday morning, Alex Cora said the staff was still “gathering information” and he wasn’t sure when they’d have a clear picture of the road ahead.

“That’s where we’re at,” the manager said. “Don’t know what that means, if it’s tonight we’ll know more, or in the upcoming days.”

It’s been a tumultuous first month of the season for Yoshida, whom the Red Sox moved to the DH role during the offseason. Though he began the year with a four-game hitting streak and Opening Day double in Seattle, he’s done little in the way of hitting for power. He also spent several days on the bench over the last two weeks, as Rafael Devers (bone bruise) and Tyler O’Neill (concussion) both needed time in the DH spot before getting back on the field.

After a four-hit performance in the Sox’s 17-0 win over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, Yoshida exited Sunday’s series finale after being jammed by a pitch.

“His hand is huge,” Cora said before Wednesday’s game. At the time, he was hopeful Yoshida would only need 10 days, which would allow him to return for the following homestand next Friday, May 10. The hitter, however, wouldn’t rule out surgery when speaking to reporters on Wednesday. Informed of this before Thursday afternoon’s game, Cora would only reiterate, “We’re gonna gather information and we’ll decide what’s next for him.”

The only concrete update he could provide was that Yoshida wouldn’t be traveling with the team for the weekend series in Minnesota.

More Red Sox injury updates

Brayan Bello (lat) is scheduled to make a rehab start with Double-A Portland on Tuesday.

Vaughn Grissom saw his season debut pushed back again this week due to the flu, but he’s traveling to Minnesota with the team and Cora said he “should be with us” for Friday night’s series opener against the Twins.

Romy Gonzalez (wrist) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester on Friday.

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Red Sox Star Might Stay In Boston Despite Speculation According To Insider

Boston may not actually end up trading one of its star pitchers despite speculation

• Author: Patrick McAvoy

In this story:

The Boston Red Sox certainly have been a pleasant surprise so far this season.

Boston hasn't been at full strength by any stretch of the imagination and yet the club currently is four games above .500 with an 18-14 record. The Red Sox have been scrappy and have found ways to win ballgames despite being severely undermanned.

The Red Sox entered the season with low expectations and many said before the campaign even started that the club likely would be sellers ahead of the trade deadline. Boston hadn't even played a single game and many people already had given up on the season.

Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen was the club's most talked-about trade candidate and there was a time when a deal seemed like a certainty. While that was the case, he may not be traded anymore, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman.

"Kenley Jansen looked like the most obvious closer trade candidate when the season began," Heyman said. "But the Red Sox seem too good to sell."

Jansen sticking around with Boston for the rest of the season certainly would help. He has been great so far this season and currently has a 1.86 ERA in 10 appearances. Boston's bullpen has been solid so far this season and keeping Jansen only would help. Plus, three-time All-Star Liam Hendriks should be ready to return to the mound around the trade deadline as well giving the Red Sox another boost in the bullpen.

Boston has surprised people so far and once it starts to get healthier it should get even better.

More MLB: White Sox May Trade Surprising Starter; Red Sox Could Be Perfect Landing Spot

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