Montreal, QC (SportsNetwork.com) - The New York Mets reassigned pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka to Triple-A Las Vegas on Saturday.
The Mets announced the move after a 2-0 loss to Toronto in their spring training finale. Matsuzaka struck out eight batters in five shutout innings against the Blue Jays.
The 33-year-old spent much of spring training fighting for the fifth spot in the Mets rotation. The team spent $100,000 on Tuesday in order to retain his rights. Matsuzaka heading to Las Vegas solidifies Jenrry Mejia as the fifth starter.
Matsuzaka posted a 3-3 record with a 4.42 ERA last season in seven starts for the Mets. He spent his first six seasons with the Red Sox, who bid over $51 million for the Japanese right hander. In 123 career starts with the Red Sox and Mets, Matsuzaka is 53-40 with a 4.52 ERA.
The Mets also reassigned right-handed pitcher Kyle Farnsworth to Las Vegas.
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