TRENTON – Everything about Hideki Matsui seemed a bit oversized in his visit to Waterfront Park last night, from the media contingent following him to his batting helmet.
The Yankees slugger began his rehab assignment last night with the Trenton Thunder in the Double-A Eastern League playoffs. He was in the lineup in the cleanup spot as the Thunder’s designated hitter.
The Thunder issued 90 media credentials for the game against the Portland Sea Dogs, including around 50 for Japanese news agencies. The reporters were spread around the park, which usually sees less than 10 media members.
As if Matsui did not stand out enough, he wore a Yankees batting helmet rather than the Thunder’s because Trenton did not have a helmet big enough for his head.
Matsui, who received the loudest ovation in pregame introductions, was expected to play the entire game as the Yankees try to get him as many at-bats as possible in his recovery from a fractured left wrist.
“The approach I have toward the game doesn’t change,” Matsui said through interpreter Roger Kahlon. “That approach is really just giving the best of my ability at that moment. That has never changed and that’s not going to change. I know this is a rehab assignment for me but that’s not going to change the way I approach a game and my approach at the plate.”
Trenton manager Bill Masse said Matsui’s presence was not a distraction to his players as they began their chase for an Eastern League title.
“He’s a baseball player,” Masse said. “To me, he’s just one of the guys. Obviously, he does it a little better than everybody else.”
Matsui had the wrist, which he fractured on May 11, heavily taped when he took batting practice. He wore his familiar No. 55, getting it from outfielder Shelly Duncan, who usually wears the number for the Thunder. Matsui showed no lingering effects from the injury during batting practice, hitting the ball deep several times.
Matsui said this season has not been frustrating for him and even found some enjoyment while rehabilitating from the first serious injury of his career.
“I sort of enjoyed when you see a little bit of recovery a little bit of movement that is ability coming back even if it’s a little bit I was amazed,” Matsui said. “I was happy. It proved to me there can be fun in rehab.”
Brian Cashman said Tuesday that Matsui would stay with the Thunder for as long as they remained alive. That means if the Thunder advances to the five-game championship series and it goes the distance, he would be with the team until Sept. 16.
Game 2 is tonight in Trenton. Matsui said he can play left field, but is expected to DH again. Games 3 and 4, if necessary, are in Portland, Maine, on Friday and Saturday.
