Daisuke Matsuzaka approved to start as elbow looks good for pitching detail
The Boston Red Sox have a long way to go if they have any hopes of making it to the playoffs, this year. The team is currently ranked fifth in the American League East and they have the hard task of pushing their wins up in a bid to catch up with the New
York Yankees and last year’s division victors, the Tampa Bay Rays.
To some respect, good news has come through Fenway Park. Daisuke Matsuzaka has been confirmed to start.
The Japanese pitcher had a right elbow problem a week ago but the news of his return to the mound will be met with jeers from the fans and manager, Terry Francona, who is looking for a breather in the current schedule.
The Red Sox have gone through 16 games without a rest and there is concern for pitchers in the rank.
Jon Lester has been given an extra day off and he will start on Tuesday (May 10, 2011) instead of Sunday (May 8, 2011). Matsuzaka will make his stand against the Minnesota Twins on that day, instead. Josh Beckett, on the other hand, has been called back
from his short rest to start on Monday (May 9, 2011).
The Japanese ball thrower was in a game against the Los Angeles Angels, pitching an innings out of the bullpen. He is content with the decision to hit the mound on Sunday.
"As to my elbow, it is getting better, gradually getting better, so as the game is scheduled, I will be ready for the game", Matsuzaka said through interpreter Kenta Yamada.
Matsuzaka lost the game against the Angels in the 13th inning. That was an unexpected outing and he has not hurled from the pen since he was in Japan.
"It's difficult to get ready as a [relief] pitcher", Matsuzaka said. "I knew that I wouldn't have enough time to get ready, so that was obviously difficult. All I did was just try to get focused on getting ready and throw a regular outing".
The fans will be delighted to see the star back. Lately, the team has been looking for the pitchers to do more with the ball.
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