Matsuzaka To Make Next Start For Pawtucket

BOSTON (CBS) – Daisuke Matsuzaka is heading to Pawtucket.

After a successful outing for Double-A Portland over the weekend, his second on a current rehab assignment through the minors, Matsuzaka will make his next start for the Triple-A Red Sox as he comes back from Tommy John surgery.

Matsuzaka threw 4.2 innings for the Sea Dogs on Saturday, allowing one run off three hits and two walks. Matsuzaka struck out seven, throwing 44 of his 76 pitches for strikes.

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The 31-year-old is expected to make five minor league starts on his current rehab stint. If all goes well the righty could return to the major leagues by mid-May.

Matsuzaka underwent Tommy John surgery last June after starting the season 3-3 with a 4.25 ERA in seven starts for Boston.