Daisuke Matsuzaka returned to the mound for the Red Sox last night for the first time in almost three months, He threw six shutout innings, and has the Red Sox considering him as their No. 4 starter in the playoffs.

I didn't watch the game, but even when Matsuzaka seems to pitch well, he has control issues that portend future problems. Even though he was 18-3 with a 2.90 ERA last year, as someone who spent last season as a proud Dice-K fantasy owner, I knew this year had the potential to be a disaster, because he didn't throw nearly enough strikes to remain effective. Dice-K walked three batters last night, and here's how the balls and strikes broke down:

• September 16: 55.9 percent strikes (52 strikes, 41 balls)
• 2009 overall: 62.7 percent strikes
• 2008: 60.7 percent strikes

The smart guys at Over the Monster did a much more thorough analysis of Dice-K's start, and concluded that it was a "good outing, with some concerns." That sounds about right. Dice-K is available in just over a third of FOXSports.com leagues, and he's worth a pickup in a mixed league. Just don't be too surprised if he walks five or six guys again on Sunday, because he does that a lot.

Who's off: Nobody

First pitch: The Indians and Twins get the AL action underway at 1:10 p.m. ET, while the Marlins and Cardinals start the NL day at 2:15. Here's the full schedule.

Pitcher to start: After Kevin Correia's good start and Jeff Niemann's bad one, the tally for the season is 88-86. Today's selection is Dodger Hiroki Kuroda (12.8 percent owned) against the Pirates. Kuroda hasn't allowed more than three runs in a start since July 8. Yes, I know he missed three weeks with a concussion, but it's still a good stretch.

On to the news:

• You already know that Twins 1B Justin Morneau is done for the season with a back injury, right? Mike Cuddyer played first base last night, and if that continues, it will mean an everyday role for OF Delmon Young over the final few weeks.
• Rangers 3B Michael Young returned to action last night for the Rangers, but left the game after one at bat. According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Young's early departure "wasn't because he aggravated his strained left hamstring ... he decided he probably needed to give it another day or two before trying to play again." It sounds like he won't play again until Friday at the earliest.
• Jarrod Washburn left last night's start after one inning with a sore knee, and the Tigers aren't sure when he'll pitch again.
• Remember back in June when I told you to cut Jake Peavy? Well, I was wrong. He's probably going to get three starts before the end of the season, starting Saturday. That was well worth clogging up a roster spot, wasn't it?
• There's been some discussion about Brian Fuentes sharing the closer's role with Kevin Jepsen in Anaheim, but don't believe it until Jepsen (or someone else) actually gets a real save.
• Astros 1B Lance Berkman probably won't be available until the weekend due to back spasms/soreness/something. The same Houston Chronicle story notes that closer Jose Valverde is battling some sort of virus, and he might not be available today.
• Yankees SP Andy Pettitte is getting skipped today due to shoulder fatigue. Nothing to worry about - yet. Teammate Jorge Posada might be facing a suspension for his role in last night's brawl with the Blue Jays.
• In Cardinals news, Kyle Lohse might rejoin the rotation as soon as Friday, while SS Brendan Ryan will probably miss another game today due to a jammed finger.
• The Brewers' Web site reports that Manny Parra will miss his scheduled start on Friday due to a stiff neck. He'll have an MRI today.
• The Orioles have shut down rookie SP Brian Matusz for the season.
• Hey, Jay Bruce was back in the lineup last night for the Reds! He only needs 17 home runs over the final two-and-a-half weeks to reach my prediction for him. Godspeed, Jay.
• Royals 3B Mark Teahen is still day-to-day with back spasms. He should be fine soon.
• Lefty J.A. Happ will probably rejoin the Phillies' rotation later this week after missing some time with a ribcage injury. The Phils aren't saying which day, though.
• Pirates 2B Delwyn Young is expected to miss a few days with a stiff back.
• Today's Hot Streak pick is for the super-speedy Rajai Davis to steal a base against the Rangers. Make your selection now!
• Need some baseball questions answered? I'll be chatting live today at 3 p.m. ET on FOXSports.com. Send your questions now!

I'll be back here with a football entry tomorrow, with baseball resuming Monday. If you follow me on Twitter (@jhalpin37), you can get spot starters and more baseball news until then. Thanks for reading.