BOSTON - Right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka went three innings Sunday for Triple-A Pawtucket in his second rehab start from a strained right upper trapezius. He gave up four runs, one earned, on five hits and a walk with three strikeouts.
The first two innings he threw the ball a lot better than he has, Valentine said. When there was an error made behind him and a couple of guys got on base, he lost a little of his command. But Pawtucket manager Arnie Beyeler thought it was the best hes seen him so far.
Daniel Bard has appeared in 23 games, spanning 24 23 innings, for Pawtucket, giving up 19 runs (18 earned) on 21 hits and 19 walks with 26 strikeouts. In his last outing, Sunday against Lehigh Valley, he allowed two runs on a hit and two walks with two strikeouts.
Arnie and pitching coach Rich Sauveur both give reports every time they pitch and the latest is that they like all the progress, Valentine said. They sent him out for the second inning the other night and he wasnt quite what they were hoping for. But the first inning was terrific. Hes getting close to helping us.
Right-hander Scott Atchison, on the DL since July 14,met with Dr. James Andrews today in Florida to get a second opinion on the tear in his ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow. Valentine said Atchison will take a couple of days to evaluate the opinions before making a decision.
Andrew Bailey, on the DL all season after thumb surgery, threw an inning for Double-A Portland Sunday, giving up one run on three this with two strikeouts. He is scheduled to pitch in back-to-back games for the first time on Wednesday and Thursday with Pawtucket. He is expected to make a few more appearances after that before being activated.
Valentine does not expect to have Vicente Padilla available in the bullpen tonight. Padilla is dealing with some soreness in his biceps, triceps, and groin
Boston Red Sox
Left-hander Rich Hill, on the DL since June 9 with an elbow strain, could begin a rehab assignment later this week. Valentine said Hill is expected to go to Fort Myers at the conclusion of the homestand. Hill will probably throw some batting practices before getting into a game with the CGL Red Sox.
Josh Beckett is still on schedule to start the homestand finale, Wednesday against the Rangers. He threw on flat ground today, but is not expected to have a bullpen session before his start.
I think because hes pitching Wednesday he didnt need a bullpen, Valentine said