Daisuke Matsuzaka will make his first start of the 2010 season on Saturday for the Pawtucket Red Sox. First pitch against the Rochester Red Wings is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. at McCoy Stadium.
The 29-year-old was placed on the 15-day disabled list to begin the season because of a neck strain, and this rehab start will be the first step in his quest to rejoin the big league rotation.
Matsuzaka is looking to rebound from a disastrous 2009 campaign, when he went 4-6 with a 5.76 ERA, largely due to a shoulder injury. He pitched six innings during spring training, allowing two runs on four hits and three walks with one strikeout.
According to WEEI.com’s Alex Speier, Matsuzaka likely will make at least three rehab starts for Pawtucket, before returning to the majors by the beginning of May.
