The help that the Red Sox' pitching staff needs down the stretch took one step closer to Boston on Monday, as Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched three scoreless innings in the Gulf Coast League.
Pitching against the Rays' team in Fort Myers, Fla., Matsuzaka allowed one hit and one walk while striking out four batters. He threw 37 pitches, 28 for strikes.
"Everything was pretty good," Francona told The Boston Globe. "Good breaking ball. He commanded his fastball and stayed down. He had good changeups. Generally, really positive."
Francona added that the earliest Matsuzaka could join the Red Sox is Sept. 8, when the Red Sox return to Fenway after a seven-game road trip.
"The last two months have gone, in my opinion, as good as possibly expected," Francona said. "He's not only met but exceeded every milestone that's been put in front of him."
