Matsuzaka back on the shelf

Red Sox pitcher
Daisuke Matsuzaka (MLB)

Among the tidbits from Boston Red Sox camp yesterday was the notation that starter Daisuke Matsuzaka has a sore back and will be taking it easy for the next several days. Despite the downbeat nature of the information, it is possible to interpret the news as being positive, and for two reasons:

1. The injury apparently is an after-effect of the pitcher’s intensive off-season workout program, and

2. The Red Sox know about it.

Last year, it may be recalled, Matsuzaka spent considerable time on the shelf because of an injury he suffered in the early spring while preparing for and competing in the World Baseball Classic – an injury, it turned out, that he never disclosed to the club. So yesterday’s report is actually good news of a sort, and encouraging to those of us who still believe the guy can make a difference to his team.