World Baseball Classic Has Lasting Effect on Daisuke Matsuzaka

The World Baseball Classic is a much bigger deal in Japan than it is here in the United States. By the time the tournament is in motion, most American players are preparing for the Major League Baseball season.

But Japan players take it very seriously, and to beat out all other countries is to experience a tremendous sense of pride in your nation.

Daisuke Matsuzaka added to his national hero status by winning three games for the Japanese en route to winning the 2009 WBC. Japan has now won the first two tournaments, a clear sign of their dedication to winning it.

Matsuzaka pitched brilliantly in earning MVP honors for the second time, posting a 3-0 record with a 2.45 ERA. But now the Red Sox have taken notice of the effect the tournament had on him.

After allowing five earned runs in one inning Tuesday against Oakland, Matsuzaka left in the second with a "fatigued" shoulder after allowing the first three batters to reach base.

Matsuzaka threw 43 pitches in the game, the shortest outing of his major league career.

Terry Francona was apparently concerned throughout spring training that Matsuzaka's workload leading up to the season could catch up to him quickly. It doesn't help matters that the Red Sox are off to a 2-6 start.

"Again, I know I'm harping on it a little bit, but I think he probably tried to ramp up too quick [for the Classic] and we're feeling the effects of it," Francona told Ian Browne of RedSox.com. "We're eight games into the season, we've lost [six] games, it's not a real fun night."

Despite 10 shutout innings from Justin Masterson, Manny Delcarmen, Ramon Ramirez, Hideki Okajima, and Jonathan Papelbon, the Red Sox eventually lost 6-5 in the 12th inning on a Travis Buck bases-loaded infield hit.

Despite Matsuzaka's assurance that he feels "fine," he could be placed on the 15-day disabled list regardless of the severity of Matsuzaka's arm or shoulder condition.

At this point in the season, it would likely be wise to give the man some rest so he can be strong at the end.

After reports that Clay Buchholz pulled a hamstring and will miss a start, Masterson is the most likely candidate to get a start or two while Matsuzaka takes time off. Right now, the least likely possibility is that Matsuzaka will make his next scheduled start.