Daisuke Matsuzaka met with the media in Fort Myers Thursday morning, saying his sore back is getting "better and better every day."
Speaking through an interpreter, he called dealing with the back issue as camp begins "a little distressful" but emphasized that he still considers the issue minor, saying he wouldn't even describe it as an injury.
Matsuzaka went on to say he is becoming more and more comfortable with the way things work in North American baseball. He called this winter "his best offseason in terms of preparation." Still, fans have to be concerned that Matsuzaka is sidelined with a physical ailment as camp begins.
Wednesday, manager Terry Francona said the team would be extremely cautious with the fourth-year pitcher, who spent much of last year injured after ramping up early for the World Baseball Classic.
Matsuzaka said he was fine with the idea of the Red Sox bringing him along slowly this preseason, saying he was "grateful" for the team's approach. Clearly, Matsuzaka is trying his best to show that he and team management are on the same page, something that wasn't the case last season.
Pitchers and catchers officially report to camp Thursday, with physicals being held at the minor league complex tomorrow. Once Matsuzaka undergoes his physical, a timetable will be made for his return to baseball activities.
Asked about his goals for the coming season, Matsuzaka smiled and said he was hoping "to get through the season injury-free." With the first full workout for pitchers and catchers scheduled for Saturday, he is not off to a great start in his efforts to reach that goal.
