Matsuzaka will fill the rotation spot previously held by Tim Wakefield. The 29-year-old's start to the season was slowed in spring training by a sore back and neck, but he recently concluded a rehab stint with Triple-A Pawtucket. In three starts with the PawSox, he posted a 1.62 ERA.
Despite Dice-K's imminent return, it appears that the Red Sox will be without the services of Jacoby Ellsbury and Mike Cameron for the immediate future. Ellsbury collided with Adrian Beltre on April 11 chasing a foul ball and it was revealed last week that he has four hairline fractures in his ribs. His return date is unknown and will likely depend on Ellsbury's tolerance for pain.
The hits just kept on coming for Cameron, who passed a kidney stone before it was revealed he suffered an abdominal tear as well. The Red Sox' new center fielder is hoping rest solves the issue, but he can't rule out surgery.
Progress is being made on two other injury fronts, as well. Infielder Jed Lowrie is almost over his bout with mononucleoisis, and now the hard work begins: Having lost 10 pounds, Lowrie needs to work on regaining his strength.
Boof Bonser, who was expected to open the season in the Red Sox bullpen while being stretched out as a starter in spring training, was put on the disabled list to start the season due to a right groin strain suffered in late March. Coming off 2009 shoulder surgery, he suffered a setback on April 13 when he complained of stiffness in the shoulder. Doctors aren't concerned about the injury, though, so Bonser is expected to return to action shortly.
Once he does, the Red Sox will have no more than 30 days to make a decision on whether Bonser is ready to join the active roster.
