Monday, May 20, 2013
Associated Press
CLEVELAND
The Indians expect right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka to be pitching again in the minor leagues within the next month after an oblique injury sidelined him.
Matsuzaka has been out since April 28, when he hurt his side while pitching for Triple-A Columbus.
Indians vice president Ross Atkins said Sunday that the Japanese right-hander is progressing.
Matsuzaka signed a minor-league contract in February and was given a chance to win a job in Cleveland’s rotation during spring training. But he was beaten out and the Indians released him before he re-signed and reported to the Clippers.
In five Triple-A starts, Matsuzaka went 0-2 with a 3.92 ERA. The 32-year-old was limited to just 18 starts in the past two seasons because of elbow issues.
Cleveland’s starters are 13-4 in the past 21 games.
The Indians are 6-0-4 in their last 10 series.
White Sox RHP Jake Peavy is the only former Cy Young winner to beat the Indians this season.
Justin Masterson is the fifth starter to record double-digit strikeouts against the Mariners in 2013.
The Indians will try to complete the four-game sweep today as the teams conclude their wrap-around series with a matinee.
The Indians are 9-1 against the AL West.
Cleveland has seven shutouts, its most through 42 games since 2008.