PHILADELPHIA -- After dropping a number of hints that Daisuke Matsuzaka might need more time before coming back from Tommy John surgery, Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine announced after Sunday's game that the Japanese right-hander had received an injection for a strained right trapezius muscle and would not make his last rehab start.

The start had been scheduled for Tuesday.

The Red Sox have recalled Matsuzaka from his rehab assignment, and he remains on the 15-day disabled list. But he cannot begin a new rehab assignment until seven days after he was "returned from rehab," which the Red Sox did on Saturday.

Major League Baseball must approve any new rehab assignment, which is expected to be a formality, given the injury. As with any rehab assignment, Matsuzaka must give his approval, another expected formality.

The trapezius muscle is in the upper back and makes it possible to move your neck, shoulder and back.

Matsuzaka made no mention of discomfort following his last start Thursday night for Triple-A Pawtucket, in which he gave up five runs in 6 2/3 innings to Durham.

"I feel fine right now," Matsuzaka said through interpreter Jeff Cutler. "Nothing awkward. No pain. I feel good."

Matsuzaka said in his previous start, he had experimented with his arm angle and delivery. That was not the case Thursday night, he said.

"Yesterday I was able to figure out my mechanics to a point where I felt very comfortable out there," he said. "I'm in a really good place right now.

"During (Thursday's) start I felt very confident out there. I felt I was able to grasp something I was missing in previous starts. I definitely am feeling closer to making it back to the majors."