Matsuzaka's journey back Options

[86spike]

RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka(notes) is making steady progress in his throwing program at the Sox Player Development Complex in Fort Myers. According to Sox manager Terry Francona, Matsuzaka will throw one more bullpen session this week before tossing 2-to-3 innings in a Gulf Coast League game on Monday. Barring any setbacks, Matsuzaka will follow that up with an Aug. 29 minor league rehab start for Class AA Portland (ME.) and a Sept. 3 start for Class AAA Pawtucket (R.I.). Matsuzaka is still on course to potentially return to the Sox starting rotation in September.

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If everything goes well, that would put his next start on September 8th (Sox are home vs. Baltimore).

The Sox would have 24 games left at that point, so he'd have a shot at another 4 starts before the (theoretical) playoffs.

No one should pin their hopes entirely on Daisuke this fall, but if we could slot him in as our fourth starter down the stretch and in the playoffs (again, if we get there) as opposed to Penny/Tazawa/Wakefield's Sciatica in that role, it could make a huge difference.