Seibu Lions manager Haruki Ihara said Wednesday he prefers to rest injured right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka during the All-Star break and make him return to the mound in late July.
"He hasn't thrown in a month. It would be terrible if he pitches (in an All-Star game) and aggravates his injury. It's very doubtful," Ihara said when asked about chances of Matsuzaka's appearance in the July 12-13 All-Star series.
Matsuzaka currently leads the Pacific League starters in fan balloting for the games at Tokyo Dome and Matsuyama stadium, Ehime Prefecture.
"He needs about 20 days in preparation for his next outing for the top team. Ideally, he should be back for the game against the Kintetsu Buffaloes on July 20," Ihara said.