Former big leaguer Daisuke Matsuzaka threw three scoreless innings in a rehab start for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks' third team on Sunday.

The 35-year-old, who returned to Japan last season after eight years in the big leagues with the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets, has yet to pitch for the Hawks' first team due to a series of injuries.

Pitching against the Kagawa Olive Guyners of the independent Shikoku Island League at the Hawks' minor league facility, Matsuzaka allowed one hit, while striking out four batters. His fastest pitch was recorded at 147 kph (91 mph).

"I'm glad I was able to throw solid innings," said Matsuzaka, who pitched Thursday for the first time in three months.

The right-hander was able to jam hitters with his fastball and got a big strikeout on a breaking ball, but said it could have gone better.

"When trying to get strikes early in the count, I left pitches up," said Matsuzaka, who went 56-43 in the majors and is 108-60 in Nippon Professional Baseball.

Hawks pitching coach Shinji Kurano called it a step forward.

"He had better arm action than last time, and we saw more dynamism," Kurano said. "I think this was the best he's been this year."

Matsuzaka appears to be on track for a start for the Hawks' Western League club in a minor league game against the Yomiuri Giants' farm Eastern League outfit next Sunday.