Stiff Neck May Set Back Red Sox Hurler Dice-K

Boston, MA, United States (AHN) – Boston Red Sox Daisuke Matsuzaka never got comfortable while throwing off the mound Saturday, as the Japanese pitcher experienced stiffness in his neck.

Matsuzaka, 29, reportedly had a stiff neck in his first batting practice of the spring training.

Matsuzaka, the Red Sox’s starting pitcher, did not participate in the first weeks of spring training due to back problems.

Red Sox Manager Terry Francona believed Matsuzaka’s stiff neck and back injury are not related, but admitted the Japanese pitcher is certainly doubtful for opening day.

Matsuzaka went 4-6 with 5.76 ERA and 54 strikeouts last season.

In three years with the Red Sox, Matsuzaka has a 37-21 career record with 409 strikeouts.

For now, pitching coach John Ferrell will allow the hurler’s stiff neck to heal and gauge the injury day to day.

Matsuzaka will be likely replaced by Clay Buchholz in the starting rotation, when the MLB season begins in the next two weeks.

Buchholz , 25, went 7-4 with 4.21 ERA and 68 strikeouts last season.

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