Dice-K set for one more rehab start

CHICAGO (Kyodo) Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona said Sunday Daisuke Matsuzaka will make one more minor league rehab start on Wednesday before he rejoins the fold.

The right-hander will throw his fourth rehab start in a playoff game for either Class A Greenville or Salem, depending on which is more conveniently located.

"I think I am in form to pitch in a (major league) game, but I have told the team that I want to be able to pitch more innings in my next rehab start. I've only got one additional rehab start and it shouldn't be difficult to prepare (for the majors)," Matsuzaka said.

Matsuzaka, who was initially supposed to re-join the rotation for the Red Sox's game against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday, went on the disabled list with a mild shoulder strain on June 20. Thus far, he has allowed seven runs in 9 1/3 innings in three minor league appearances.

"Yeah, endurance, and we'd like to let him go significantly into the game," said Francona. "We've been pretty up front with him, and I guess with you guys all along, that there's a reason we did this. It was the big picture in mind. To deviate from that now, I think, would be a mistake."