Daisuke Matsuzaka Reportedly Placed on Trade Waivers by Boston Red Sox

Not wanting to rest on their laurels, the Boston Red Sox are back at it, reportedly placing Daisuke Matsuzaka on trade waivers, according to Buster Olney of ESPN. 

"

Daisuke Matsuzaka was just put on trade waivers the other day; looked great in pitching vs. KC Monday.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) August 28, 2012"

Matsuzaka made his return to the Red Sox's rotation on Monday against Kansas City, throwing seven innings, allowing one unearned run on five hits and striking out six with only two walks. 

It was the first start for Matsuzaka since July 2, as he has battled a neck injury. He also missed the first two months of the season as he recovered from Tommy John surgery.

Unlike the last time the Red Sox placed a player on waivers, I will not laugh it off as just a case of a team doing what teams do in August. 

However, Matsuzaka could actually prove to be more difficult to move. Even though he is in the last year of his contract, Dice-K has not been able to stay healthy since 2007, his first season in the big leagues. 

A team would have to be desperate for starting pitching—which almost everyone at this point in the season is—and likely willing to eat the remainder of Matsuzaka's contract in order to consummate a deal with the Red Sox. 

Plus, any team acquiring Matsuzaka would be banking on his start against Kansas City as a sign of things to come. No disrespect to the Royals, but they are not exactly running a murderer's row of hitters out there. 

The Red Sox have already shown they are willing to make an offer involving anyone on their roster, but it takes two to tango. 

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