On Wednesday, the Cleveland Indians brought Daisuke Matsuzaka into camp in Goodyear, Ariz., to compete for the back end of their rotation with a deal that would pay him a $1.5 million salary this season if he’s added to the 40-man roster. He could earn an additional $2.5 million in performance bonuses.
That’s a far cry from the $103 million Boston shelled out to land the Japanese right-hander in 2007.
“I just want him to be Daisuke,” said new Cleveland manager Terry Francona, who managed Boston when Matsuzaka was a starter for the Red Sox.
Matsuzaka went 33-15 in his first two seasons in Boston, but since 2008 he has never won more than nine games in a season. And he has been limited to just 18 starts the past two seasons because of elbow problems. Matsuzaka underwent reconstructive elbow surgery in 2011.
SHORT HOPS
Oakland closer Grant Balfour had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to repair a torn meniscus. … The Cardinals announced a three-year contract extension for general manager John Mozeliak and exercised its 2014 option on manager Mike Matheny. … The Rockies acquired infielder Reid Brignac from the Rays for a player to be named and cash.
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