CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Indians expect right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka to be pitch again in the minor leagues within the next month after an oblique injury sidelined him.
Matsuzaka has been out since April 28, when he hurt his side while pitching for Triple-A Columbus. Indians vice president Ross Atkins said Sunday that the Japanese right-hander is progressing, and he believes Matsuzaka will be pitching again "in weeks, not months."
Matsuzaka signed a minor-league contract in February and was given a chance to win a job in Cleveland's rotation during spring training. But he was beaten out and the Indians released him before he re-signed and reported to the Clippers.
In five Triple-A starts, Matsuzaka went 0-2 with a 3.92 ERA. The 32-year-old was limited to just 18 starts in the past two seasons because of elbow issues.
