Boston Red Sox right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka will be on standby as a relief pitcher for Game 1 and Game 2 of the American League Division Series, Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell said Monday.
Farrell said Matsuzaka will be in the bullpen for the first two games of the ALDS against the Los Angeles Angels but could take the mound if anything were to happen to Boston's starters.
Jon Lester, a power-throwing left-hander, is scheduled to start Game 1 while Boston right-handed stalwart Josh Beckett will get the ball for Game 2. Clay Buchholz, another right-hander who throws heat in the mid-90s is the starter for Game 3.
Depending on how the series develops, Matsuzaka could make a start in Game 4.
"I kind of expected this," said Matsuzaka, who has made only four starts since returning from a three-month stint on the disabled list with a shoulder injury. "This is what's best for the team. Whatever my role is, I want to pitch to help the team win."
Boston takes on Los Angeles in Game 1 of the best-of-five series starting Thursday.