FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) – Daisuke Matsuzaka threw batting practice for the first time this spring training and didn’t have dozens of cameras and reporters recording his every move.

In his second season after the Boston Red Sox spent more than $103 million for the Japanese star, Matsuzaka can focus on preparing for the season without the hoopla that accompanied his rookie year in the majors.

“Most of the things that were a source of stress for me last season have disappeared,” he said Sunday through a translator, “and now I’m just able to practice.”

Matsuzaka got off to a strong start last year, then faltered and finished 15-12 with a 4.40 ERA. With Curt Schilling expected to miss at least half the season with a shoulder injury, Matsuzaka figures to move up to the second spot in the rotation behind Josh Beckett.

On Sunday, Matsuzaka threw batting practice to Boston’s three best hitters, David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez and Mike Lowell, plus Julio Lugo.

“Dice-K made a very positive move forward today,” pitching coach John Farrell said. “He threw the ball again in the bottom of the strike zone. His fastball command was solid.”

Matsuzaka also made a slight adjustment on the release of his changeup, which makes it “a much more useable pitch. I think hitters will have to respect it. They won’t be able to detect it so early upon its release,” Farrell said.

Progress on the changeup actually began late last season.

“I was able to grasp a few points on my changeup that were really going to make a difference,” Matsuzaka said. “I just hope that I can apply those right away early on in the season.”

Hurst appointed as special instructor

The Boston Red Sox have appointed former pitcher Bruce Hurst as special instructor for player development.

Hurst will evaluate players and act as an on-field pitching instructor in the Red Sox’s minor league system.

He was on hand for the first two weeks of spring training and also took part in the rookie development program last month.

The left-hander had a 145-113 record and a 3.92 ERA in 379 major league games with four teams. He pitched for the Red Sox from 1980 to 1988, winning 88 games.

Hurst won two games in the 1986 World Series against the New York Mets, which Boston ultimately lost in seven games.

Hurst spent four years as the pitching coach for China’s national team, including during the 2006 World Baseball Classic.

AP-ES-02-25-08 1054EST