The Red Sox rotation seems to be hitting its stride lately, and more help could be on the way.
According to Bobby Valentine, Daisuke Matsuzaka will be taking the next step in his rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery as he will make his next start in Triple-A Pawtucket. The Japanese right-hander pitched well in his previous start for Double-A Portland.
His outing for Pawtucket will be the third out of five expected minor league starts for the 31-year-old. If the schedule goes according to plan, Matsuzaka would be able to return to the big leagues as early as May 18th.
Matsuzaka underwent Tommy John Surgery in June of last season after starting the season with a 3-3 record in seven starts with a 4.25 ERA.