Indians won't keep Matsuzaka on opening day roster

Goodyear, AZ – The Cleveland Indians have informed pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka that he won't be part of the club's roster on opening day.

Matsuzaka signed a minor league contract earlier this offseason and in four games this spring allowed just two runs on 10 hits in eight innings. He still could remain with the organization and accept a minor league assignment.

The 32-year-old right-hander spent six seasons with the Red Sox following a successful career in Japan and made 11 starts last year for Boston after recovering from Tommy John surgery performed in June 2011. He was 1-7 with an 8.28 ERA last year.

Matsuzaka was one of Boston's prized acquisitions prior to the 2007 season and was 33-15 in 61 starts over his first two years with the Red Sox, helping the club to a World Series title in his first campaign. He has made a total of 55 starts over the past four seasons.

In 117 games, all but one as a starter, the Japanese native owns a big league mark of 50-37 with a 4.52 ERA. He was 108-60 with a 2.95 ERA from 1999-2006 in Japan.

The Indians also told reliever Matt Capps that he wouldn't make the roster to start the season.