Daisuke Matsuzaka on Monday took the mound in a professional game for the first time since May 16, 2011.
Making his first appearance since undergoing Tommy John surgery, Matsuzaka tossed four frames for Single-A Salem, allowing three runs on six hits en route to earning the loss.
In each of the first two innings, the righty surrendered leadoff homers, but Matsuzaka also fanned three batters and didn’t issue any walks while tossing 57 pitches, 41 of them strikes.
With the outing against Wilmington –– the Royals’ affiliate –– under his belt, Matsuzaka is scheduled to make at least four minor league starts before leaving the disabled list and returning to the Red Sox.
During his five seasons with Boston, the 31-year-old pitcher has posted a 49-30 record with a 4.25 ERA.
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