Hideki Matsui yesterday took a small step toward returning to the lineup when he hit off a tee.
Matsui is on the disabled list because of a sore left knee, and had not taken batting practice in nearly two weeks. But the inflammation in the knee had gone down enough in recent days that Matsui could begin strengthening exercises.
"I felt pretty good," Matsui said through interpreter Isao Hirooka after taking 45 swings over a 15-minute sessions. "No pain. I hope to keep going in a positive direction."
Matsui will have to progress to more intensive drills, then batting practice, and then he could go on a minor-league rehabilitation assignment. The Yankees seem pessimistic that he will be able to do anything but be a designated hitter for the rest of this season.
I don't have to tell you guys how important it is for Matsui to return to this lineup. The guy has been an all-star this year, hitting .323 with 7 HR, and 34 RBI before the injury. Hopefully he continues to improve and can avoid the knife, hopefully returning some time just after the all-star break.
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