A number of Red Sox pitchers are close to returning to active duty as they continue to rehab from injuries.
Among them:
Daisuke Matsuzaka threw long-toss Monday and will throw a side session on Wednesday. He's been out for the past three weeks with a trapezius muscle injury.
"He's feeling better," reported Bobby Valentine. "Depending on how the pen goes on Wednesday, we'll try to map out a potential rehab program for him.''
Andrew Bailey, who underwent surgery on his right thumb in early April and later had a setback with some forearm tightness, will throw live batting practice Wednesday.
"We'll see how that goes," said Valentine, "and how he feels facing the hitters."
Scott Atchison, sidelined since last week with forearm soreness, long-tossed Monday and could throw off a mound Wednesday. Rich Hill, also out with forearm stiffness, threw on flat ground Monday.