Ailing Dice-K throws in intrasquad game
March 21, 2010
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP)—Slowed since the start of spring training because ofback and neck injuries, Boston Red Sox right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka(notes) took asmall step Sunday toward his first appearance in a Grapefruit League game.
Matsuzaka faced Boston minor leaguers in an intrasquad game at the playerdevelopment complex, about two miles from the team’s spring training home atCity of Palms Park. He threw 32 pitches, 18 for strikes, and then threw anadditional 14 in the bullpen after his outing.
He faced eight batters in two innings, the second inning extended to fiveouts. After retiring the first three batters of the frame, to give himadditional work, he faced another batter, with runners manufactured at first andsecond. He got the next batter, inducing a double play.
“It being an intrasquad game and with the fans so up close it was difficultto get into a game mindset,” Matsuzaka said. “But, that being said, I was ableto pitch out there with no problems and I think that’s the most importantthing.”
With the wind at his back, his velocity topped out at 90 mph, according to ascout. Back in the major league clubhouse after his outing, it was easy to seehis satisfaction.
“Daisuke was thrilled, because his command was probably where you’d expectit to be, considering it’s the first time in that situation,” Red Sox managerTerry Francona said. “But after he came back he was bouncing around. He feltreally good about it.”
Matsuzaka faced hitters for the first time this spring in a batting practicesession on Wednesday.
“There’s a difference between facing hitters in a live BP session andfacing them in a game,” he said. “I think what I take away from each type ofpractice differs when I’m able to face hitters in a game situation.”
Matsuzaka is scheduled to pitch in his first Grapefruit League game Thursdayafter another bullpen session Tuesday, continuing his progress toward returningto Boston’s starting rotation. It is unlikely, though, that he will be on theOpening Day roster.
“If you just compare where he’s at right now compared to our other startersand what our goal is for each guy in our rotation, we’d like to get them to 95pitches here in spring training before we break,” said Red Sox pitching coachJohn Farrell. “So, just do the simple math. There’s going to be some startsneeded.”
The 29-year-old Matsuzaka, for whom Boston paid $103 million ($51 millionposting fee, plus $52 million contract) to acquire before the 2007 season, isentering the fourth year of a six-year contract. He could likely start theseason on the disabled list after spending a total of 107 games on the DL in2009, hampered by a mild right shoulder strain.
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