FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Boston Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka had a throwing session on Monday and reported no pain or discomfort. A mild back strain delayed the Japanese pitcher's throwing program last week.
Matsuzaka, who made 25 tosses from 60 feet and another 25 from 90 feet, told reporters he was relieved at the results and figured he would play catch for another week or so before deciding the next steps in his preparation.
"Aggressive, felt good, we'll do the same tomorrow," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said of the throwing session. "Everybody involved was very encouraged. What we'd hoped for. More importantly, what he hoped for.''
Francona didn't place a timetable on when Matsuzaka would throw off the mound but said he "wouldn't be surprised if he came fast, just because of all the work he's done up to this point.''