Dice-K Defends Controversial Mets Pitching Coach

by Fitzgerald Cecilio

New York Mets pitcher Daisuke "Dice-K" Matsuzaka has defended pitching coach Dan Warthen, who drew controversy for using an Asian slur at a clubhouse translator.

"I think everyone makes mistakes, and Dan has already commented on it. I don't want to dig deeper into it or try to add to what it is," Matsuzaka said, through clubhouse interpreter Jeff Cutler, who was at the receiving end of Warthen's slur.

Asked if he was comfortable working with Warthen, Matsuzaka said, "I don't expect our relationship to change going forward."

Warthen apologized Wednesday night for having directed a word once commonly used to denigrate people of Asian descent at Cutler.

"Dan has already commented on it. And [general manager] Sandy [Alderson] has talked about it. I don't really have anything else to add to it," Cutler said.

Amid the controversy, Matsuzaka continued to solidify his standing as the Mets' fifth-starter front-runner, holding the Washington Nationals to one run on three hits and striking out four in 3 2/3 innings Thursday.

"Overall, I think it was a very good outing," Matsuzaka said. "I was consistent out there. That was the most important thing. Of course, I would have liked if I could have gone a little deeper in the game."

After his productive outing Thursday, he has allowed three earned runs in 7 2/3 Grapefruit League innings.

Matsuzaka's primary competitors are left-hander John Lannan and right-hander Jenrry Mejia, although the club appears to be leaning toward Lannan making the club as a reliever.

"Until the decision is made, I have no say in it. But I have been preparing, expecting myself to be in that position," Matsuzaka said.

 

 

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"Dice-K Defends Controversial Mets Pitching Coach"