Daisuke Matsuzaka News: Pro Sports Daily

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October 14

Boston Globe

"After being excluded from the American League Division Series rotation, it might be easy to conclude there's a great deal of frustration on both sides and perhaps the Daisuke Matsuzaka-Red Sox marriage should end this offseason. But while that appeared to be the sentiment for a long time in 2009, there actually is a pretty good relationship developing, according to a source close to the situation."

Vintage Daisuke Matsuzaka

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October 3

Boston Herald

"Playoff teams usually include at least one "X-factor" they hope can pop up out of the blue as a surprise October contributor. If his performance last night was any indication, Daisuke Matsuzaka has as good of a shot as anyone on the Red Sox roster to come out of the shadows and turn into that X-factor. Not that Matsuzaka was particularly brilliant or dominating in the Red Sox' 6-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians, but he did show enough signs of escape artistry (circa 2007 and '08) that he seems eminently capable of coming to the rescue at some point later this month. Matsuzaka allowed two runs on five hits and three walks in six innings. He prevented seven of the nine Indians who ..."

Daisuke Matsuzaka takes mound today

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September 26

Boston Herald

"With a playoff berth close to being sewn up, one could look at the rest of the Red Sox schedule as an exercise in playing out the string. That is the case in large part, but one exception will take place this afternoon, when Daisuke Matsuzaka gets a start against the Yankees. The Red Sox are curious to discover in these waning days of the season what exactly they have in Matsuzaka, especially as it pertains to his availability as a starter in the Division Series - possibly in Game 4 - or the ALCS. Pretty much awful for his first eight starts, Matsuzaka has shown glimpses of goodness in his two outings since returning from exile in Fort Myers, where he restrengthened his shoulder. He has a ..."

Daisuke Matsuzaka latest starter to shine

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September 21

Boston Herald

"For a time earlier this year, the Red Sox believed they had a surplus of starting pitching. Then, just as quickly, they entered a phase in which they clearly didn't have enough. And now, with two weeks left in the regular season, the issue isn't so much quantity - though that's been rectified, too, enough so that the Sox can switch to a six-man rotation - as much as it is quality. A deep rotation is nice. A consistent, at times dominant rotation is even better. Yesterday it was Daisuke Matsuzaka's turn to propel the Red Sox to yet another win, 9-3 over the overmatched Baltimore Orioles. The game was the 13th straight in which a Sox starting pitcher allowed three runs or less. In that span, ..."

Matsuzaka shows off top form in his return

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September 16

Boston Globe

"There was a weight on Daisuke Matsuzaka. He knew how he had pitched, knew how little he had helped his team over the first five months of the season. He had disappeared to Florida, leaving the Red Sox and their rotation to carry on without him, even as he was relegated to sprints in the Fort Myers sun alongside minor leaguers so young they barely could imagine the majors."

Daisuke Matsuzaka works hard to be a better fit

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September 16

Boston Herald

"The results - six-plus scoreless innings, just three hits allowed - came on the Fenway Park mound, with the usual sellout crowd roaring its approval on a crisp late-summer night. But the hard work necessary to make last night a reality came in the solitude of a back field in Fort Myers. It was there, about as far away from the pennant race as you can get, that Daisuke Matsuzaka got his groove back. "He's to be commended for the work that he's done," pitching coach John Farrell said after Matsuzaka outstripped everyone's expectations and helped the Red Sox beat the Los Angeles Angels, 4-1, "in reshaping himself, getting his core strength. Everything about the work he did on the DL, it ..."

Starry night for Daisuke Matsuzaka

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September 16

Boston Herald

"By pitching so well last night, Daisuke Matsuzaka earned a tank full of goodwill that could propel him, and the Red Sox, right into, and through, the postseason. Making his first start since June 19, when his World Baseball Classic-weakened shoulder and weaker results finally led to the Red Sox casting him away for a complete overhaul, Matsuzaka allowed no runs and three hits in six-plus crisp innings in the 4-1 victory against the Los Angeles Angels at Fenway. Featuring a fastball with zip and pep and with pinpoint command, Matsuzaka pumped fresh oxygen into a team now sprinting toward a full slate of postseason baseball. Just off this one start, Matsuzaka made himself an instant ..."

Sox starters have unfinished business

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September 15

Boston Globe

"When the offseason haul came in, the veteran stars of past seasons purchased at bargain prices, the accolades began. The Red Sox rotation was deemed - yes, mostly by the media - potentially the best in the American League. Now, with three weeks left in the season, those proclamations seem a bit ridiculous. Or, if not ridiculous, they seem very, very far away. The reality of the starting pitching has been far different from the predictions. Though Josh Beckett and Jon Lester, for the most part, have lived up to the hype, anchoring the starting staff throughout the season with a minimum of blips, the rest of the rotation has not been nearly so worry-free."

'09 starts anew for Sox righty Daisuke Matsuzaka

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September 15

Boston Herald

"There are forgotten men, and then there's Daisuke Matsuzaka. For a while it looked like Harry Lime or Keyser Soze would appear at Fenway Park before Matsuszaka, who made his last appearance on June 19 and then basically dropped off the map. After getting back into shape in Florida and then back into form in far-flung outposts like Allentown, Pa., and Salem, Va., Matsuzaka returns from obscurity tonight to face the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. It will be his first start in 87 days, and it's no small thing. The Red Sox still are seeking a fourth starter for the postseason, what with Tim Wakefield's back a question mark and Paul Byrd unproven as he returns from nearly a year away from the ..."

Matsuzaka's return shapes the stretch run

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September 13

Boston Globe

"It's been three months since Daisuke Matsuzaka took the mound for the Red Sox. He was exiled to the minor leagues, where he went on an exercise regimen that shaved off pounds, perhaps improved his stuff, and has prepared him for a return to the major leagues. That happens Tuesday when Matsuzaka will start the series opener against the Angels. It would be a difficult assignment for anyone, but Matsuzaka yesterday expressed excitement at the opportunity, saying he felt ready to help the Sox in their push toward the postseason."

Dice-K enters stretch

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September 13

Boston Herald

"Daisuke Matsuzaka, who on Tuesday night will make his first start for the Red Sox since being hammered by Atlanta on June 19, refuses to look at the assignment as an opportunity to make a statement about his major league readiness. Speaking through an interpreter, Matsuzaka, who will start against the Los Angeles Angels at Fenway Park, said, "It's less having something to prove than it is that we're at a point in the season where every win is so important. And if I can contribute to the team in a way that helps us win, well, that's the most important thing." Matsuzaka gave the Red Sox an 18-3 record and 2.90 ERA in 29 starts last season, but has missed much of 2009 because of shoulder ..."

Major move: Matsuzaka will start Tuesday

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September 12

Boston Globe

"It has been nearly three months, one major misunderstanding, and quite a few pounds since Daisuke Matsuzaka last took the mound for the Red Sox. That was on June 19, an outing in which he allowed six runs in just four innings, sending him on an odyssey that has taken him through Fort Myers, Fla., and much of the minor league system. But Matsuzaka will be back in the majors Tuesday. His last start, against Single A competition, was a positive development, with Matsuzaka throwing 6 2/3 innings, allowing one run on three hits and one walk, and striking out seven. He got up to 89 pitches, which was the intended result."

Dice-K to start anew

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September 12

Boston Herald

"After an absence of three months, Daisuke Matsuzaka will return to the mound for the Red Sox on Tuesday, attempting to both salvage his lost season and perhaps claim a spot in the team's postseason's rotation. Matsuzaka's season was short-circuited back in June when, after eight starts and a trip to the disabled list, the Red Sox determined he lacked sufficient shoulder strength to compete. In those eight starts, Matsuzaka compiled an 8.23 ERA and got past the fifth inning only twice. He made his fourth rehab start Wednesday, pitching 6 2/3 innings for Single-A Salem, allowing a run while striking out seven. Red Sox manager Terry Francona said the Sox were "very (encouraged)" by ..."

Daisuke Matsuzaka goes back for 2nd try

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August 31

Boston Herald

"After a rough 49-pitch, five-run first inning for the Double-A Sea Dogs yesterday, Daisuke Matsuzaka lobbied the Portland coaching staff for another go at the New Hampshire Fisher Cats lineup. Matsuzaka got his wish and made the best of the opportunity. The Red Sox right-hander looked sharp in mowing down the side on nine pitches in the second inning, his last of the eventual 5-3 Fisher Cats win. The frame salvaged hope for an effective return to the big league rotation for Matsuzaka in time for the stretch run. "In the first inning, I think I got into the game at about 60-to-70 percent of maximum output for me," Matsuzaka said through a translator. "That's how I was approaching it. There ..."

Dice-K tosses three scoreless innings

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August 25

MLB.com

"Red Sox right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka started his road back to Boston by pitching three shutout innings in a Gulf Coast League game in Fort Myers, Fla, on Monday. Thanks to the satellite system the Red Sox use to track all their Minor League affiliates, manager Terry Francona was able to watch Matsuzaka's performance. Over 37 pitches, Matsuzaka allowed one hit and no runs, walking none and striking out four. "Everything was pretty good," said Francona. "Good breaking ball. He commanded his fastball. He stayed down. Threw some good changeups. It was generally really positive." Matsuzaka will report to Fenway Park on Tuesday to meet with Francona and pitching coach John Farrell. Matsuzaka's ..."

Matsuzaka makes more progress

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August 25

Boston Globe

"After Daisuke Matsuzaka made his most significant stride yesterday in the two months since he went on the disabled list because of shoulder fatigue, the Red Sox believe he remains on pace to return to the major leagues by early September. Matsuzaka pitched in a live game for the first time during his rehab in Fort Myers, Fla., throwing 37 pitches over three innings in a Gulf Coast League contest. Matsuzaka gave up no runs on one hit in three innings, striking out four, hitting one batter, and throwing a wild pitch. Injuries and ineffectiveness eliminated the starting pitching depth the Sox enjoyed early in the season. With Tim Wakefield scheduled to start tomorrow and Matsuzaka on his way ..."

Dice-K now talking a different tune

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August 6

Boston Herald

"Daisuke Matsuzaka [stats] did not just look different - slimmer, more tanned - yesterday. He sounded very different. For the first time since Matsuzaka became a Red Sox [team stats] in the fall of 2006, the Japanese pitcher made extended comments in English. The occasion was his first interaction with U.S. media since the late July kerfuffle that ensued after comments made in confidence to a Japanese media member became public. While some nuances may have been lost in the translation, the message was that Matsuzaka was clearly not on the same page with the Red Sox when it came to his shoulder program. That was then, this is now, as Matsuzaka made clear in plain English. "I want to clear up ..."

Matsuzaka smoothes team's ruffled feathers

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July 31

Boston Globe

"Two days after comments attributed to him about the Red Sox ignited a controversy, Daisuke Matsuzaka yesterday attempted to put out the fire, saying he never meant to be critical, didn't know his words would be made public, and refuted some of the strongest parts of the report, which first appeared on a Japanese website. Matsuzaka, on the disabled list since June 21, was reportedly upset at how the Red Sox' training routine for him differs from what he was accustomed to in Japan, and how it might be affecting his performance. The interview with a Japanese reporter quickly produced a reaction in Boston, with manager Terry Francona and pitching coach John Farrell publicly expressing their ..."

Terry Francona, Dice-K clear the turbulent air

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July 30

Boston Herald

"Red Sox manager Terry Francona yesterday cleared the air with disgruntled starter Daisuke Matsuzaka, one day after the right-hander complained about the team's training regimen in a published report. Francona spoke with Matsuzaka at length over the phone, noting that he appreciated the hurler's efforts to address him in English. The team had made no secret of its disappointment with Matsuzaka for telling a Japanese web site on Tuesday that his shoulder is weak because of the team's throwing program. "He made some points to me, which I appreciated," Francona said. "He understood how we felt, and he was trying to make some points. The points I made to him were, 'Yeah, this is how we felt. ..."

Daisuke Matsuzaka airs dirty laundry in media

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July 29

Boston Herald

"Blindsided by Daisuke Matsuzaka's criticism that their throwing program is hurting and not helping him, the Red Sox yesterday expressed their own hurt about a breach of faith and trust by the $103 million pitching investment. "I thought we made huge strides in communicating through some of his frustrations and maybe some of ours, so to hear him say that is disappointing," manager Terry Francona said before last night's game. "Not disappointing that he has an opinion, that's very welcome. Disappointing that he took a meeting that was confidential and decided to air it publicly, yeah, we're very disappointed." Pitching coach John Farrell said, with considerable emotion, "There's been plenty ..."

Daisuke Matsuzaka wants to do it his Way

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July 29

Boston Herald

"Terry Francona and John Farrell were mystified yesterday. Daisuke Matsuzaka felt the same. But if Strother Martin was around Fenway Park when the story broke of Matsuzaka's rebellion against the Red Sox Way of conditioning pitchers, he would have understood. "What we have here is failure to communicate," Martin, playing a vicious prison captain, said in the film "Cool Hand Luke" as he worked to break the spirit of a defiant prisoner played by Paul Newman. "Some men you just can't reach. So you get what we had here last week. Which is the way he wants it. Well, he gets it. And I don't like it any more than you men." After which Martin had Newman dig a hole and fill it in over and over in ..."

Ichiro Suzuki backs Daisuke Matsuzaka, WBC

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July 15

Boston Herald

"Ichiro Suzuki wishes he knew exactly what ailed countryman Daisuke Matsuzaka. But of this much he's certain: The World Baseball Classic is not to blame. The Mariners superstar outfielder passionately defended his Japanese teammate before last night's All-Star Game, expressing confidence that Matsuzaka will regain his form. "This might be the toughest time he's ever had to deal with, but he has always overcome them in the past," Suzuki said through a translator. "He has the mental ability to conquer this and take the next step. He's very tough on himself, but that's part of the reason why I think he'll definitely work through this." What Suzuki doesn't want to hear is anyone say the WBC ..."

Matsuzaka headed to Florida for long rehab

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July 4

Boston Globe

"Daisuke Matsuzaka played catch yesterday, making 60-foot throws in his first baseball activity since June 19, the day before the Red Sox placed him on the disabled list for the second time this year. Matsuzaka will fly to Fort Myers, Fla., Monday and begin an extended shoulder strengthening program. Yesterday and Monday are the only dates the Sox have attached any significance to in regards to Matsuzaka's rehabilitation. The Sox have one objective, and time will not be determining factor. "This time,'' manager Terry Francona said, "we're going to make sure that he's ready to pitch.'' Francona met with Matsuzaka "for a pretty lengthy amount of time'' Thursday. They mapped out his regimen, ..."

Dice-K off to Florida

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July 3

Boston Herald

"The Red Sox sat down with pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka yesterday to map out a program they hope will have the pitcher returning to their rotation later this summer. Matsuzaka will travel to the team's spring training complex in Fort Myers today and began a conditioning and shoulder-strengthening program. Matsuzaka will begin light throwing soon, but the emphasis will be on getting him in better shape while building up the area around his shoulder. While in Florida, he'll be under the supervision of Goose Gregson, who doubles as the pitching coach for the Red Sox' Gulf Coast League affiliate. The Sox will treat this stint almost like Matsuzaka is beginning spring training. He did not report to ..."

It just doesn't add up

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June 23

Boston Globe

columnist Bob Ryan

"May we agree on one thing? Daisuke Matsuzaka was not worth $102 million. There's a lot of financial craziness out there in modern professional sport, but we have not yet reached the point where a third or fourth (and in this case, fifth) starter is worth a total investment of $102 million for six years. There's really not going to be any kind of debate about this, is there? The issue before us as Dice-K begins his open-ended stay in the Japanese Pitcher Witness Protection Program, otherwise known as the disabled list, is whether the bigger story is his almost complete collapse or that his absence is actually a blessing as the Red Sox attempt to seize control of both the division and the ..."

Dice-K in good standing back home

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June 23

Boston Herald

"The average Japanese fan certainly is not happy that Daisuke Matsuzaka is having a forgettable and injury-marred Red Sox season. However, according to members of the Japanese media who are familiar with recent coverage of the right-hander, the happiness Matsuzaka provided his country in March in helping produce a second World Baseball Classic title appears to have made it all worthwile. "For Red Sox fans, it's 'Oh man, he blew out his arm in the WBC,' " said a Japanese TV producer working in the U.S. "But from the Japanese fan's view, it's 'He led us to great victory, he performed at the top level, we hope he recovers and pitches well in the major leagues, but to not have him pitch as the ..."

Get in control

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June 23

Boston Herald

"Look at what happened to Daisuke Matsuzaka's shoulder this year. Now look at what has not happened to the shoulders of pitchers Brad Penny and Jonathan Papelbon, each with an injury history, and note the imminent activation of John Smoltz a year removed from shoulder surgery. This is what is called a teachable moment. Matsuzaka is on the disabled list for the second time in 2009 with shoulder weakness. Nobody yet can guess about if or when he will return this season. The Red Sox' deep and effective pitching staff is healthy now, and everybody has been on the team's shoulder and arm strength and conditioning program since last year ended. Except Matsuzaka. The 28-year-old stayed in Japan ..."

Daisuke Matsuzaka back on DL

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June 22

Boston Herald

"The Red Sox placed Daisuke Matsuzaka [stats] on the disabled list with a mild right shoulder strain, and he might not be back for a while. The struggling right-hander is battling soreness, said manager Terry Francona, and the team wants to figure out how a pitcher who won 33 games over his first two seasons could be struggling so mightily this year. "It was very obvious we were going to have to DL him," Francona said. "This is not going to be a two-week DL. He's going to have to figure this out. We have a lot of work ahead of us to get him back to being Daisuke." Matsuzaka had a feeling this moment was coming after allowing six runs in four-plus innings of Friday's loss to the Braves. He's ..."

Future has Dice-y look

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June 22

Boston Herald

columnist Steve Buckley

"Now that the Red Sox have placed him on the disabled list, Daisuke Matsuzaka can't say for certain he will return to the team this season. He also recognizes that if he does make it back, it's possible there won't be a spot for him in the starting rotation. Matsuzaka spoke with the media for about 10 minutes yesterday morning after it was announced he was put on the DL, but he did not say when he expected to return. After the general media session, however, he met privately with the Herald and said that the Sox' starting pitching depth means he is not guaranteed a job once he recovers from the shoulder weakness that has sidelined him. "Let's say, in the end, they start using a five-man ..."

Struggling Dice-K goes on disabled list

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June 21

ESPN.com

"The Boston Red Sox placed right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with a mild shoulder strain, a day after the team announced it would hold Dice-K out of his next start. An MRI exam had shown no structural damage, though there was a weakness in his throwing arm, according to manager Terry Francona. The Red Sox recalled catcher Dusty Brown from Triple-A Pawtucket. Matsuzaka's next day to pitch would have been Thursday, but that was also the day John Smoltz was scheduled to make his return from rehab. Matsuzaka was 18-3 with a 2.90 ERA last season, his second in the majors after a whirlwind courtship that required the Red Sox to pay $51.11 million for the right to ..."

Francona sticks by Dice-K; move to 'pen unlikely

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June 18

Boston Globe

"With a 7.55 earned run average and one victory in seven starts, Daisuke Matsuzaka has been a weak link on the Red Sox' deep pitching staff this season. And he knows it. With John Smoltz set to make his season debut next Thursday and the Red Sox going with a temporary six-man rotation, Matsuzaka said he understands it is imperative that he starts pitching better soon. "It has been hard, but I know I cannot be in this situation," Matsuzaka said last night in a conversation with Japanese reporters, according to a report on WEEI.com. "I have to bring my [stuff] back as quickly as I can. I really want to pitch for the team to win, with focusing on my details [of pitching]." Matsuzaka, who won ..."

Decision deep-sixes Dice-K problem temporarily

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June 17

Boston Herald

"What do you get for the team that has everything, including too much pitching? How about the gift of time? That's the gift the Red Sox gave themselves yesterday when they announced John Smoltz would be an addition to their rotation, and not, as many had projected, a replacement. Unimpressed - apparently - with what they've been offered in trade talks for Brad Penny and unsure - for now - of what to do with Daisuke Matsuzaka, the Sox, instead, will do nothing. All along, the Sox were of the belief that "these things have a way of working themselves out." This time, however, they didn't. All five of the existing starters are healthy, and with one notable exception, all are performing ..."

Waiting for Dice-K to pitch in

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June 11

Boston Globe

columnist Nick Cafardo

"During a trying season on the pitcher's mound, Daisuke Matsuzaka took some refuge yesterday in the batter's box, as he and other Red Sox pitchers took batting practice in preparation for this weekend's interleague series in Philadelphia. Matsuzaka is the final piece in Boston's starting rotation riddle - the one who hasn't put it in gear. In his last start, Matsuzaka was caught on camera looking down at his fingers. The team has said nothing about a possible injury. Yet it's something to watch for during Matsuzaka's next start, Saturday night. After all, the Red Sox have a roster decision looming as early as Tuesday, when John Smoltz may make his first start for the Sox, against the ..."

New approach, pain not eased

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June 8

Boston Globe

columnist Bob Ryan

"On the subject of the 2009 Daisuke Matsuzaka, no one accurately can say, "It is what it is." The truth is that no one knows what it's going to be, or when. Yesterday he was an alternate version of the Dice-K we've come to know and, shall we say, put up with since he's become a member of the Red Sox. We are accustomed to maddeningly high pitch counts in relatively few innings. We are used to a ridiculous number of walks. And we are used to seeing teams have a very hard time putting the ball in play. But the Dice-K on display in the Sox' 6-3 loss to the Rangers at Fenway Park was a very different creature. For only the sixth time in 74 career Bosox starts (regular season and postseason), he ..."

Daisuke Matsuzaka's post-Classic woes continue

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June 8

Boston Herald

"By now, the interminable innings, the endless full counts, and the lack of efficiency are all part of the package when it comes to Daisuke Matsuzaka. When he was winning 33 games during his first two major league seasons, they were all a bit easier to accept. Sure, you might risk falling asleep along the way, but in a business measured by bottom-line performance, it was hard to take issue with someone who boasted a .857 winning percentage. Along the way, while prone to going 3-2 on seemingly everybody, Matsuzaka held opposing hitters to a .211 batting-average against, easily the lowest figure in the AL. But this year, Matsuzaka not only isn't winning - he dropped to 1-4 yesterday and the ..."

Danger: Dice-K at work

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June 3

Boston Herald

columnist Ron Borges

"If Daisuke Matsuzaka was a tightrope walker he'd work without a net. If he was a hockey player, he'd skate without a helmet. If Daisuke Matsuzaka was a mountain climber, he'd assault Everest without oxygen or a sherpa guide. If he was a matador, he'd pass on the banderilleros and the picadors and go mano-a-horno with El Toro. Although last night was less perilous than most of his recent starts, Matsuzaka seems obsessed with living dangerously, so even on a good night he made Red Sox manager Terry Francona sweat and fans say the rosary on his way to his first victory of the season, a 5-1 win against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. For Matsuzaka, allowing six hits and three walks in ..."

Daisuke Matsuzaka can't avoid trouble

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June 2

Boston Herald

"Daisuke Matsuzaka could have won "Dancing with the Stars" last season with the way he tap-danced out of trouble. This year, he wouldn't get out of the audition. Even though batters averaged only .211 last season, Matsuzaka's propensity for issuing walks meant he pitched a great deal with runners on. And he did produce, holding opposing hitters to a .164 clip with runners in scoring position, the lowest average in the majors. With the bases loaded, he was even better, holding opponents hitless. Matsuzaka has made only four starts this season, so the sample size is extremely small, but the outlook for a repeat back-against-the-wall escape appears slim. With runners in scoring position, ..."

Signs good for Daisuke Matsuzaka

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May 23

Boston Herald

"Following a five-week absence, Daisuke Matsuzaka returned to the mound last night, and while he wasn't good enough to win, he was undeniably moving in the right direction. Matsuzaka absorbed the loss in the Red Sox' 5-3 interleague setback to the New York Mets, lasting five innings and allowing four earned runs on five hits. It was his first start since spending more than a month on the disabled list with shoulder weakness. "I thought he was actually pretty good," manager Terry Francona said. "I thought his ball had some life. We were very encouraged with his outing. The ball was coming out of his hand a lot better (than his last start before going onto the DL). That was encouraging. That ..."

With Matsuzaka, long time coming

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May 22

Boston Globe

columnist Bob Ryan

"Just for fun, why not start the game with the bases loaded? Dice-K's back. And why not just give the leadoff man - whoever it is, since Jose Reyes is injured again - a 3-2 count? Dice-K's back. Tell the babysitter you might be a little late. Dice-K's back. Last seen in a major league game April 14, Daisuke Matsuzaka will be on the Fenway Park mound when the Mets arrive tonight for the start of a three-game interleague series. He's been MIA for a month to get his right shoulder strengthened. He has made two starts for the Red Sox this season. One was bad. The other was sad. He gave up nine hits, four earned runs, three home runs, and three walks in 5 1/3 innings against the Rays April 9. ..."

Dice-K to start Sox opener vs. Mets

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May 20

MLB.com

"The Red Sox will welcome Daisuke Matsuzaka back to the rotation on Friday, when the right-hander opens a three-game Interleague series against the Mets. Dice-K made just two starts for the Red Sox before being placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right shoulder strain. He made three Minor League rehab starts for Triple-A Pawtucket, going 0-1 with a 1.54 ERA. Though John Smoltz isn't as close to returning to action as Matsuzaka, the veteran is progressing nicely. Smoltz was supposed to make another start at extended spring training on Thursday, but will instead move up to Class A Greenville and pitch that night at Augusta. "That's not health related," said Red Sox manager Terry ..."

Kevin Youkilis, Dice-K ready to return

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May 20

Boston Herald

"This week will feature a couple of significant roster changes as Kevin Youkilis and Daisuke Matsuzaka come off the disabled list. Youkilis, the first baseman and cleanup hitter, is expected back for tonight's game against Toronto. He had no setbacks in his two-game rehab stint at Pawtucket and showed no effects from the strained left oblique that has kept him out since May 4. Youkilis hit second and was 0-for-4 as the DH for the PawSox yesterday. He was 0-for-6 with a walk in two days, prompting Terry Francona to make a sarcastic suggestion. "I asked him if he wanted to go to Double A to get some hits. He said no," the Sox manager said. "I think he came through it feeling pretty well, and ..."

Dice-K tosses four shutout innings

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May 11

MLB.com

"Long before the Red Sox even took the field on Sunday night against the Rays, rehabbing right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka had already gotten his work in for Triple-A Pawtucket in an afternoon game played at Columbus, Ohio. Matsuzaka wasn't vintage, but he got what he needed out of the day, pitching four shutout innings and allowing four hits. Dice-K walked two and didn't record a strikeout. He threw 58 pitches, 37 for strikes in his second rehab start. "In terms of getting into game mentality, I felt I was able to pitch the way I usually do," Matsuzaka told reporters in Columbus. "It's tough when you can't get strikeouts, but in that situation, a double play was a good thing. I felt I hit the ..."

Dice-K pleased with bullpen session

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April 30

MLB.com

"Manager Terry Francona sees right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka's return to the Red Sox's rotation coming soon.Not that "soon" means Thursday or Friday -- or even next Monday.But Matsuzaka is close to coming off the 15-day disabled list. He tested his strained right shoulder Wednesday afternoon in a 47-pitch bullpen session, and by all accounts -- including Dice-K's -- the session went well."He got out to 200 feet beforehand with some strength and power behind it, which is good," Francona said. "He'll do it against on Saturday, and we'll sit down and figure out where to go from there."After his bullpen session, Matsuzaka reported no ill effects to his right shoulder, which, when it balked on ..."

Matsuzaka ordered to rest ailing shoulder

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April 19

Boston Globe

"Daisuke Matsuzaka will rest for the next couple of days in an attempt to ease the inflammation in his pitching shoulder, Red Sox manager Terry Francona said yesterday. Matsuzaka was examined by team medical director Thomas Gill Friday night and by all accounts the original diagnosis of a strained shoulder/tendinitis was confirmed. Francona said Matsuzaka's period of rest will be followed by a shoulder strengthening program. Francona would not give a timetable for how long it would take. The righthander was placed on the 15-day disabled list last Wednesday. When Matsuzaka went on the DL last season with a mild rotator cuff strain, he missed nearly a month (May 27 to June 21). Matsuzaka was ..."

Matsuzaka put on DL, putting spotlight on WBC

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April 16

San Francisco Chronicle

columnist Gwen Knapp

"In Boston today, the World Baseball Classic is about as popular as the British East India Company, circa 1773. On the morning after Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched to the A's with the efficiency of a cigar-chomping weekend golfer, the Red Sox put him on the disabled list because of a mild shoulder strain and arm fatigue. In other words, WBC-itis. Within an hour of the announcement, the Web site for the Boston Globe posted a poll asking whether Matsuzaka and his teammates should be barred from ever participating in the international tournament again. Two other Red Sox players were hurt during the event. By 6 p.m., a total of 8,860 votes had been cast, 83.6 percent in favor of dumping the Classic. ..."

A strain for staff: Matsuzaka goes on DL

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April 16

Boston Globe

"The Red Sox yesterday placed pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka on the 15-day disabled list with a mild right shoulder strain, an ailment the team believes stems from his performance in March's World Baseball Classic. Manager Terry Francona pulled Matsuzaka from his Tuesday start after a one-inning meltdown in which the righthander allowed five runs on five hits and two walks. Matsuzka's velocity topped out at 88 miles per hour, and the team labeled his problem "arm fatigue" Tuesday night. After his start, Matsuzaka seemingly disagreed with Francona that anything was physically wrong with him. After speaking yesterday morning in the manager's office, Francona said they had reached agreement. "It's ..."

Shoulder puts Dice-K on DL

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April 16

Boston Herald

"Daisuke Matsuzaka's season is just two starts old, but already it is being interrupted by injury concerns. The Red Sox yesterday placed Matsuzaka on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder fatigue. It marks the second time in as many seasons that Matsuzaka had suffered from the condition; he went on the DL last May 30 with rotator cuff strain and returned a month later. The move came in the aftermath of Matsuzaka's aborted outing Tuesday night in which he lasted just one inning against the Oakland A's, getting racked for five runs and five hits on 43 pitches. Matsuzaka had alerted the Sox in Anaheim his shoulder was feeling weak but then assured them he was well enough to make Tuesday's ..."

Red Sox put Dice-K on DL

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April 15

Boston Globe

"The Red Sox have placed Daisuke Matsuzaka on the 15-day disabled list with a mild right shoulder strain and recalled lefthanded reliever Hunter Jones from Pawtucket. The news hardly comes as a surprise after Matsuzaka's alarmingly ineffective performance Tuesday night during the Red Sox' 6-5 12-inning loss to the host Oakland A's. Matsuzaka recorded just three outs and threw just 22 of his 43 pitches for strikes in his second start of the season. After the Sox staked him to a 3-0 lead in the top of this inning, he allowed five hits, two walks and five runs in the bottom half, facing 10 batters. After the game, the club said that Matsuzaka, who was the Most Valuable Player of the World ..."

WBC catches up to Dice-K as Red Sox lose in 12

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April 15

Boston Herald

"If you can believe it, the ugly start to the Red Sox' 2009 season took a turn for the worse last night. Not only did the club drop its sixth game in eight tries with a 6-5, 12-inning loss to the A's, but it also lost starter Daisuke Matsuzaka to "general soreness and fatigue'' in his shoulder. The fatigue and poor results – Matsuzaka left his second start of the season after only one inning, in which he allowed five runs on 43 pitches – could result in a visit to the disabled list in order to rest the shoulder. Or, he could see his next start pushed back a few days. Whatever the course of action, the Sox believe Matsuzaka's fatigue is tied to his participation in March's World Baseball ..."