Daisuke Matsuzaka throws bullpen

Updated: January 31, 2012, 2:32 PM ET
ESPN.com news services

Daisuke Matsuzaka took his first step back toward the mound Monday, throwing his first bullpen session since having season-ending elbow surgery in June, according to the Kyodo News.

Matsuzaka
Matsuzaka

The Boston Red Sox righty threw 21 pitches to his catcher at the team's spring training facility in Florida, according to the newspaper.

"Today is like a warm-up," Matsuzaka said, according to the paper. "I think I'll throw harder next week."

He will long toss on Wednesday and return to the bullpen Friday as long as there are no setbacks Tuesday, the paper reports.

Matsuzaka, 31, underwent Tommy John surgery last June after going 3-3, and is expected to return to the majors during the 2012 season.

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