Daisuke Matsuzaka: Is He Actually an Upgrade over Anyone in Red Sox Rotation?

Daisuke Matsuzaka is a little under a month away from returning from Tommy John surgery, but where will he fit on the roster once he is set to pitch in the majors in a couple weeks?

The Japanese pitcher has set himself apart this offseason by starting his rehab stint earlier than originally predicted and is on pace to arrive back on the Boston Red Sox roster by May 23. This would mean he was out less than a year from the surgery just like Rich Hill, who is a lefty in the bullpen for the Sox. It is astounding to see these pitchers already heading back to the major league level after receiving Tommy John.

Daisuke has already had two starts in the minor league system and is on his way to play for the Pawtucket Red Sox for his next start. He finished his stint with the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs with a 4.2 innings stint where he gave up only one run on three hits. He threw 77 pitches and finished with seven strikeouts, according to The Boston Herald.

With Matsuzaka coming back in less than a month, what Red Sox starter would need to step down to the bullpen or just be demoted to Triple-A to make room for Matsuzaka on the roster?

Clay Buchholz is the best option to get demoted back to the Paw Sox when Matsuzaka returns. Buchholz has struggled so far in the 2012 season and has allowed at least five earned runs in all of his starts. In his last start against the Oakland Athletics, he allowed one run through the first six innings, then lost it in the seventh and allowed five earned runs without making it out of the inning. Luckily, the bullpen was able to get out of the mess he provided.

Another option would be Daniel Bard. Bard has pitched pretty well as a starter. He has a 2-2 record overall and is 1-2 with a 3.83 ERA as a starter. It is tough to see Bard out of this rotation, but with Aaron Cook and Matsuzaka needing a start in the rotation, Bard needs to decide what is best for the team in 2012. The bullpen needs help still, and he would be a great setup guy or closer for the Red Sox this season.