Daisuke Matsuzaka will return to the Red Sox on Thursday and start against the Colorado Rockies. Matsuzaka will oppose right-hander Jason Hammel.
Matsuzaka has missed his last two starts and has not pitched since June 7 due to right forearm strain.
In his last start on June 7, Matsuzaka allowed just four hits in eight scoreless innings against the Cleveland Indians. Five days later, he was scratched and placed on the DL just before his scheduled start against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Manager Terry Francona continues to ride the outfield carousel as J.D. Drew works his way back from a hamstring injury.
The good news for the Red Sox is that an MRI conducted Saturday morning revealed no major damage. The team has said that Drew will not need to be placed on the disabled list.
