With their rotation still in tatters, the Red Sox may be close to adding an important piece. According to Joe McDonald of ESPN Boston, rehabbing right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka needs just two more minor-league rehab starts before he's ready to be activated.
Matsuzaka, who's recovering from Tommy John surgery performed last June, has a 4.34 ERA in the rehab stint that's spanned three minor-league levels. In 18.2 innings, he's struck out 19, walked six and given up four home runs.
The Sox are presently saddled with the worst rotation in baseball, and that's largely why, despite a powerhouse offense, they're at the bottom of the AL East.
When it comes to working Matsuzaka back into the mix, manager Bobby Valentine indicated he's willing to consider a six-man rotation, at least on a temporary basis. "A full-time six-man rotation? It depends who the six are," Valentine said. "I guess it can work, but I don't have any plans for that right now as a long-term situation. I can see it being done a couple of times through out of necessity."
After signing with Boston, Dice K turned in a good 2007 and a great 2008. Since then, however, injuries and ineffectiveness have plagued him. Still, it won't take much to provide Boston with an upgrade.
