Daisuke Matsuzaka Posts Scoreless Start for Pawtucket Red Sox

As the Red Sox continue to weigh their pitching options, Daisuke Matsuzaka is showing he's ready to be a serious part of the discussion.

Matsuzaka went 4 2/3 scoreless innings in his latest minor league start Monday night, throwing 87 pitches for the Pawtucket Red Sox in Triple-A ball. He threw as fast as 91 mph and allowed only two hits and three walks.

Matsuzaka was originally scheduled to pitch Thursday or Friday, but he felt some pain in his neck, pushing his appearance back a few days.

Monday's start was Matsuzaka's third as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery. He missed most of the 2011 season after having elbow problems in spring training. He was placed on the disabled list in May and had surgery in June.

Matsuzaka pitched for Single-A Salem on April 23, allowing three runs on seven hits in his first rehab start. On April 28, he threw for Double-A Portland, where he posted 4 2/3 innings of one-run ball. He struck out seven and walked two in that appearance.