Daisuke Matsuzaka Will Dictate Future of Red Sox Season After Year Away From Pressure

BOSTON — The pitching pressure now shifts to Daisuke Matsuzaka.

With the Red Sox announcing their intention to activate Matsuzaka for a start this weekend, the long wait is over. The right-hander will make his highly-anticipated return to the mound after Tommy John surgery on Saturday against Washington.

No one knows how he'll perform come game day. It's impossible to predict. After a year away from major league action, Matsuzaka is a question mark, from his stamina to his chemistry with his catchers to the effectiveness of his pitches.

Amid the reservations, one thing is clear — the Red Sox' fate this season rests on Matsuzaka's right arm. He can be a difference-maker. After all of Daniel Bard's inconsistent performances, the 31-year-old Matsuzaka has an opportunity to take Bard's spot and steady the ship.

This is a moment to truly validate his six-year, $52 million contract and the $51 million posting fee the Red Sox paid to begin contract discussions. With the exception of his 18-3 record in 2008, Matsuzaka hasn't quite lived up to the billing.

In the three seasons since then, Matsuzaka has only compiled a 16-15 record with a 5.25 ERA. As a result — despite playing an integral role the team's 2007 World Series victory — Matsuzaka has been a target for criticism.

With Tommy John surgery in the rearview mirror, Matsuzaka can start anew with the Red Sox. Like Rich Hill — who underwent the same procedure — he could wind up throwing harder and stifling batters with his newfound velocity.

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine also intends to allow Matsuzaka to return to the pitching style that he perfected in Japan. On Wednesday, Valentine said Matsuzaka was already unleashing a changeup that was similar to a pitch he polished overseas.

Matsuzaka could benefit from that leeway. After all, during Terry Francona's regime, the coaching staff urged the hurler to adhere to a restricted approach that strayed from his natural preference.

That said, this is Matsuzaka's moment. After a year away from the limelight, coupled with the addition of a new coaching staff, he's been offered another chance to fulfill the expectations.

Now, it's on him to steady the ship.

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