The Boston Red Sox have placed right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka on the 15-day disabled list due to a mild strain of the rotator cuff in his right shoulder, the team announced Friday.
The undefeated Matsuzaka, who pitched just four innings in a game against the Seattle Mariners three days earlier, will return to the rotation on June 12 at the earliest for a start against the Baltimore Orioles, team sources said.
It is the first time the right-hander has gone on the disabled list since his move to the major leagues.
An MRI exam did not reveal any abnormalities, but Boston manager Terry Francona said he was just taking precautions.