Daisuke Matsuzaka took a big step in his recovery process on Monday, playing catch for the first time since undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery on June 10, according to an MLB.com report.

The right-hander made 39 throws, all from short range, according to a report from the Japanese news service Jiji Press. It was the first time Matsuzaka played catch since the surgery. (via MLB.com)

Matsuzaka was 3-3 with a 5.30 ERA and 26 strikeouts in eight appearance last season for Boston. In his five year career with the Red Sox, Matsuzaka has a career record of 49-30 with a 4.25 ERA and 568 strikeouts. Matsuzaka's best year came in 2008, his second season, when he went 18-3 with a 2.90 ERA and 154 strikeouts in 29 games.

MLB.com reports that Matsuzaka's rehab is going well and that he will remain in Fort Myers, Florida until mid-November. Matsuzaka is entering the final season of his six-year deal.

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