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Matsuzaka: Shoulder fatigue

Print | Comments () Posted by Nick Cafardo, Globe Staff May 28, 2008 01:58 AM

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SEATTLE - While everyone thought Daisuke Matsuzaka had back pain or hip pain, it was revealed after the game that he has shoulder fatigue.

Manager Terry Francona said he didn't know whether Matsuzaka would miss his next start, but it sure looks like it. The righthander said he experienced something similar in his second or third year in Japan and pitched through it but then said he paid the price in his next start.

Matsuzaka said he elected to come out, but it appears Francona made the decision for him after the pitcher threw two warmup tosses before the fifth inning.

Francona said he knew nothing about Matsuzaka having back or hip pain, and Matsuzaka spoke about his shoulder and not his back.

Matsuzaka said he felt discomfort as he worked through the fourth inning. The Sox were aware he wasn't feeling right and kept an eye on it.