"For the past week, Red Sox manager Terry Francona has been insisting there are no plans for right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka to undergo surgery on his balky right elbow.

A report out of Japan suggested otherwise last night.

According to Nikkan Sports, Matsuzaka will inform the Red Sox of his intention to have Tommy John surgery on his torn ulnar collateral ligament. He traveled back to Boston yesterday after getting a second opinion Tuesday from noted Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles.

Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein didn't respond to a message last night.

Francona reiterated yesterday that surgery has not been discussed. The Sox' medical staff has recommended rest and rehab."