Two months after season-ending Tommy John surgery, Boston Red Sox right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka said Wednesday his recovery is going well.
"I was once told that it would take me four months to start throwing the ball after the surgery, but I believe I'll be able to do that earlier since my rehabilitation is going well," Matsuzaka said at the team's spring training complex in Florida.
Matsuzaka is not only running but also undergoing weight training that involves the use of his pitching elbow.
"Exercises to strength the trunk and lower body are tougher now than in spring training," the 30-year-old said. "I've been treated like a guy aged around 20."
Matsuzaka made just eight appearances — seven of them starts — this year, going 3-3 with a 5.30 ERA.
He last pitched on May 16, yielding five runs and five hits with seven walks in 4⅓ innings against the Baltimore Orioles.