Red Sox Lose Another Starter
By Editorial Staff
The Boston Red Sox have placed pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka on the 15 day DL because of a sprained right elbow. Dice K marks the second Sox starter to be sent to the disabled list in the past two days, joining John Lackey on the shelf.
The team discovered the sprain during an MRI Tuesday afternoon.
Matsuzaka has had a roller coaster of a season, with more downs than ups. After two starts, the righty’s ERA stood at an alarming 12.86. He went on to log 15 scoreless innings over his next two starts to lower it to a more respectable 4.09.
Matsuzaka has not been able to provide the team with a quality start since.
The origin of Dice K’s injury is believed to be traced back to his April 29th start against the Seattle Mariners. Matsuzaka was erratic and ultimately removed after only 4 plus innings due to tightness in his right elbow.
In Matsuzaka’s most recent start Monday night, the starter allowed 5 runs while offering 7 free passes against the Baltimore Orioles. This performance as well as April 29th’s start led the team to call for an MRI.
The two injuries leave the Red Sox with only three of their opening day starters.
Boston will apparently look to their pen to fill the void. Former Sox starter Tim Wakefield was set to pitch Tuesday’s game in place of Lackey, and Alfredo Aceves will take the mound during Saturday night’s contest against the Cubs.