Mar 08, 2008 5:27 PM EST

Awaiting the birth of his child, Daisuke Matsuzaka may miss the beginning of the Red Sox trip to Tokyo, according to the Associated Press.

His wife is due on March 19, the same day the team is scheduled to fly out of the United States. Boston is hoping that he will be able to join the team in his native country soon after.

"I think we're hopeful that [Matsuzaka] will be able to pitch over there," Manager Terry Francona said. "If it works [so] he can come over, it'll be good. But he has our blessing to have a baby first."

Via ESPN