Mets' Matsuzaka Makes Pitch To Stay In MLB
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Daisuke Matsuzaka's career has fizzled since his much-ballyhooed move from Japan to the Boston Red Sox in 2007.
But he hopes his seven-game stint with the Mets will drum up some interest in free agency.
After a rough start in New York, Matsuzaka rebounded to the tune of a 1.38 ERA in his last four starts. He threw 7.2 scoreless innings against the playoff-bound Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday afternoon.
"If this is my last start, I ... have definitely pitched well," Matsuzaka said via an interpreter after the Mets' 1-0 win. "My intention is to stay over here in the U.S. I want to continue pitching over here in the major leagues. And if my previous few starts have impressed anyone, hopefully it has impressed someone enough to make me an offer (for) next season."
Dice-K said he'd take an offer from the Mets "very seriously" if they decide to bring him back.
"If the Mets feel that way, it would be an honor," he said.
Matsuzaka, who spent his first six seasons in Boston, was released by Cleveland in August after a spell in the minors. He landed with the Mets and suffered three losses and a no-decision in his first four starts.
The 33-year-old evened his record to 3-3 with the win on Wednesday. He'll finish the season with a 4.42 ERA.
"We've got to bring a lot of guys in, because you never know what might happen," Mets manager Terry Collins said of Dice-K, who had Tommy John surgery in 2011. "We're looking for veteran guys coming into camp, and you can add his name to the list for sure."
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