PawSox Rolling the Daisuke

The Date: May 7th, 2012. 
The Place: McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, RI. 

What so different about today's game compared to previous PawSox games? The answer is that today Boston Red Sox RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka made his first rehab start down in Pawtucket today against the Rochester Red Wings. 

This was Daisuke's 3rd start in the minors so far this year. His first start came on April 23rd for the Single-A Salem Red Sox where he went 4 innings, giving up 6 hits and allowing 3 runs, and striking out 3 in a 7-2 loss against the Wilmington Blue Rocks. His second start came on April 28th for the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs, going 4 2/3 innings, giving up 3 hits, allowing 1 run, and striking out 7 in a 9-1 victory over the Reading (Daisuke received a No Decision).

Coming off the 2011 season that he missed due to Tommy John Surgery, Daisuke looked to prove that he was healthy and ready to pitch. He looked strong in his first stint with the PawSox this season, going 4 2/3 innings giving up 2 hits while striking out 4 batters and walking just 2 in a 4-0 shutout win over the Red Wings (Daisuke received a No Decision). He gave up 0 runs and looked sharp in an impressive 1-3 play in the 3rd inning to get the first out. Though he ran up his pitch count to 87 in the time he played, Daisuke's speed never wavered, his throwing speed in the high 80s/low 90s almost every pitch.

With Daisuke back at 100% health, it will be only a matter of time before he gets called up to help salvage a woeful Boston rotation. But for now, it's the Paw Sox's time to have some fun rolling the Daisuke.

- Ryan Fox

---