Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka of the Boston Red Sox will delay the start of his spring training in Florida because of a sore back, Major League Baseball's official website has reported.
Matsuzaka mentioned the soreness in an interview with reporters at the Red Sox's training camp in Fort Myers, Florida, said www.mlb.com. It is not believed to be serious.
The right-hander was on the disabled list twice last season with right shoulder problems. He pitched in only 12 games, compiling a 4-6 record.
Thursday is the first official day of spring training for Major League pitchers and catchers. Other players begin reporting on Tuesday with training games starting on March 2.