Daisuke Matsuzaka draws spot start in doubleheader Sunday

NEW YORK — With the Mets needing an extra starter on Sunday for a doubleheader, Daisuke Matsuzaka will step into the rotation for a spot start in Game 2. Rafael Montero will proceed in the 1:10 p.m. opener, as had been originally intended. 

Pitching coach Dan Warthen suggested Matsuzaka will be capable of throwing 100 pitches on Sunday. 

Matsuzaka tossed season highs in relief with 3 2/3 innings and 56 pitches on May 13 at Yankee Stadium. 

“I pitched yesterday, but it was just one inning. I didn’t throw too many pitches,” Matsuzaka said through an interpreter. “So throwing 100 pitches, it shouldn’t be a problem.” 

Asked how he can have the stamina to log that workload after exclusively pitching in relief since the regular season started, Matsuzaka added: “It’s definitely been a while. It’s something I know how to do. I don’t really want to think too deeply into it. I just want to go into the game and do my role.” 

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson told reporters his team will promote a starting pitcher from the minors. 

Both teams will be able to carry a 26th player for the doubleheader. 

Matsuzaka was beaten out by Jenrry Mejia for a starting role out of spring training. 

Dice-K indicated on Friday that he did not view the spot start as an opportunity to again be judged for that role. 

“No, I don’t see it being anything long term or anything,” Matsuzaka said. “It’s probably just for Sunday. But Sunday I will be starting the game, so I have a responsibility as a starter to pitch deep into the game. That’s what I expect to do.”

via Dice-K draws spot start in doubleheader – Mets Blog – ESPN New York.