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Matsuzaka Gets Back On Mound

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The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 28, 2009

FORT MYERS - Daisuke Matsuzaka had his first bullpen session of the spring with the Boston Red Sox on Friday after being named the MVP of the World Baseball Classic.

Matsuzaka struggled with his control in the 54-pitch session ahead of his first Grapefruit League game of the season Monday against the Braves in Orlando.

"I think, all things considered, it was kind of what we had expected, worldwide travel, west coast travel, getting in late the other night, still adjusting to the east coast," Farrell said. "So, he had a chance to throw all his pitches ... in his bullpen session. So, he'll go Monday and we'll look to be in that 70- to 75-pitch range."

Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell said Matsuzaka's wildness was understandable considering all the traveling he has done.

Matsuzaka was 3-0 with a 2.45 ERA in the WBC for Japan. He allowed four runs, 15 hits and five walks while striking out 13 in 142/3 innings. He threw 98 pitches in the semifinals against the United States.

"Physically, I don't have any problems," Matsuzaka said through an interpreter. "But, mentally I do have to get myself prepared for the season, which I think may be more difficult than the physical element."

ANGELS: John Lackey is hurting, and his Opening-Day start for Los Angeles is in jeopardy.

Lackey has tightness in his right forearm that could put him on the disabled list.

"Right now, it is on hold," Los Angeles manager Mike Scioscia said about Lackey's scheduled start for the regular season. "We will make a determination this week. He is getting over stiffness."

Lackey will have an MRI this weekend to determine the extent of the injury.

ATHLETICS: Justin Duchscherer will have arthroscopic elbow surgery next week, likely causing Oakland's two-time All-Star to miss at least the first month of the season.

Manager Bob Geren announced the surgery, but he said the team has not determined when or where Duchscherer will have the operation. He also said the A's won't know how long Duchscherer will be out until after the surgery. Typically, a pitcher would miss at least six weeks with an arthroscopic procedure on his elbow.

MARLINS: Right-hander Ricky Nolasco will start Florida's season opener April 6 against the Nationals.

YANKEES: Alex Rodriguez's rehabilitation from right hip surgery will keep him from returning to New York's spring training complex until after the team heads to New York to play two exhibition games in their new stadium.

A-Rod has been rehabbing in Vail, Colo., where he had the surgery on March 9. Rodriguez is working out in a pool, doing range of motion drills and lifting weights.

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