Daisuke Matsuzaka's road back to stardom in Japan hit a bump on Wednesday, when the former big leaguer was diagnosed with influenza that may push back the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks right-hander's first regular season start.
The 34-year-old Matsuzaka, who is making a comeback in Japan after eight seasons in the United States, is now resting at home after coming down with Type B influenza. He is expected to rejoin the team next Monday.
Matsuzaka, who went 6-6 over his past two seasons as a swingman for the New York Mets, had been slated to make his last preseason start in a Western League game next Tuesday. Opening Day is March 27 and Matsuzaka was expected to see his first regular season action in a three-game series against the Orix Buffaloes that starts on March 31. The Hawks won the Pacific League last season by mere winning-percentage points over the Buffaloes.
A day after allowing three runs in six innings at the Hawks' Yafuoku Dome, Matsuzaka complained of a stiff shoulder and was excluded from training due to a slight fever.
"After consulting with him and with coaches, we'll decide on the next step," said Hawks manager Kimiyasu Kudo, who suggested the pitcher would need to make another start before pitching in the regular season.
"Just pitching in the bullpen is no good."
Hawks pitching coach Masato Yoshii has also come down with influenza.