Matsuzaka Goes Four Innings In Rehab Start, Allows 2 HRs
BOSTON (CBS) – Diasuke Matsuzaka began his road to recovery Monday night, tossing four innings for the Salem Red Sox of the High-A Carolina League.
In his first start since undergoing Tommy John surgery last June, Matsuzaka allowed three runs on six hits while striking out three. He allowed a pair of solo home runs to the Wilmighton Blue Rocks (a Kansas City Royals affiliate) but did throw 41 of his 58 pitches for strikes, and did not walk a batter.
Recap: Ross Goes Deep Twice, Leads Red Sox Over Twins
The outing began a 30-day rehab assignment for Matsuzaka where if all goes as planned, he will make a start every five days. If healthy at the end of the rehab, Matsuzaka could rejoin the Major League Red Sox' rotation.
Roche: Keep Bard In Bullpen
Matsuzaka went 3-3 with a 5.30 ERA in eight games (seven starts) for Boston last season before suffering from a torn UCL.