Boston, MA – The Boston Red Sox activated pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka from the 60-day disabled list amongst a flurry of roster moves on Saturday.
Matsuzaka, about to embark upon his sixth North American season, underwent successful Tommy John surgery almost one year ago to correct a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right arm. Prior to the setback, he was 3-3 with a 5.30 earned run average in eight games, including seven starts.
When he takes the mound at Fenway Park against the Washington Nationals, it will be his first start since May 16, 2011 against Baltimore.
In addition, the Sox designated outfielder Marlon Byrd for assignment, activated outfielder Ryan Kalish from the 60-day disabled list and optioned him to Triple-A Pawtucket, and transferred outfielder Jason Repko to the 60- day DL.
Byrd was hitting .270 with one homer and seven RBI in 34 games with Boston after being acquired from the Cubs on April 21.
Kalish hit .375 with three homers, three doubles and drove in six in nine rehab games across three levels of the Red Sox farm system.
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