Daisuke Matsuzaka Slated to Start Minor League Rehab Assignment in Pawtucket on Monday

NEW YORK — Daisuke Matsuzaka is resuming his rehab.

After making four starts for the Red Sox in his return from Tommy John surgery, Matsuzaka was placed back on the disabled list on July 3 with a nagging neck injury. This time, he's hoping the worst is behind him.

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said the hurler would start a rehab assignment on Monday in Pawtucket. It's the next step, considering Matsuzaka has thrown two bullpen sessions in recent weeks.

"That would be a pitch-limited session, but he’s feeling good," Valentine said. "Right now, he’s throwing the ball — the last session he had in the outfield and on the mound was his best session so far since spring training."

Before the setback, Matsuzaka was 0-3 with a 6.65 ERA. In 23 innings, he struck out 20 batters while issuing eight walks.

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