Red Sox bail out dicey Matsuzaka

But it was not ideal, and not because of the 95-minute rain delay. Matsuzaka's performance raised a question: What to do with him? After his four uninspiring innings last night, Matsuzaka is 1-3 with a 6.20 ERA while averaging fewer than five innings per start since returning from the disabled list.

"It would be a lie to say I'm completely stress-free," Matsuzaka said through translator Masa Hoshino. "But I also know that I have to be patient. At the same time, patience alone isn't going to get me out of this situation. I'm going to make a concerted effort to make some changes and get out of it."

The Red Sox bailed him out last night, Lugo's four hits and Jacoby Ellsbury's five times on base spearheading a 13-hit assault on the Phillies, who lost starter Antonio Bastardo after the first inning. Matsuzaka lately has been utterly hittable, something he typically isn't, even at his worst. He has allowed 17 hits in his last 9 2/3 innings.

The Red Sox need to pare down their starting rotation with John Smoltz set to debut, and Matsuzaka made an argument for somehow becoming the odd man out. After the Sox received quality starts from their other four starters - and a combined 1.44 ERA over that span - Matsuzaka allowed four runs on seven hits and two homers in four innings.

Manager Terry Francona chalked up Matsuzaka's outing to the rain delay. "It's a horrible night to get a read," Francona said. "He gave us a lot. That's a tough night to pitch. They lost their guy."

Matsuzaka hinted at something else amiss with him. Asked to summarize his night, Matsuzaka said, "I'm not sure exactly how to say it. The pitches they hit were definitely mistakes, but I don't think that was the entire problem."

Were there other problems?

"There were," he said.

Asked if he could elaborate, Matsuzaka shook his head.