FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Daisuke Matsuzaka has not pitched in a game since last May 16. After undergoing Tommy John surgery on June 10, the belief had been that Matsuzaka would not be ready to rejoin the Red Sox until at least midseason, likely after the All-Star break.
Now, tough, that timeline may be moving up.
Matsuzaka threw his third live batting practice session Thursday. Afterwards, manager Bobby Valentine was asked if Matsuzaka could be ready by July 1.
July?" said Valentine. "I think that thats more than realistic . . . Closer to June 1.
Valentine then eased those expectations slightly, by adding potentially.
Matsuzaka, though, has said this spring he believes his rehab is ahead of schedule.