FORT MYERS, Fla. — Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka was all set to make his last spring training start against the Blue Jays at City of Palms Park yesterday, but the right-hander was forced to pitch for the PawSox at the minor-league complex instead.

Due to the coaches’ compensation matter yesterday, the game was being boycotted by the Red Sox players until a resolution was made. To make sure Matsuzaka got in his work in case the game was canceled, manager Terry Francona sent him and catcher Jason Varitek down the street to pitch in the Triple-A game against Rochester.

Matsuzaka worked six innings and allowed one run on three hits with eight strikeouts and one walk. He surrendered a home run and threw 78 pitches (50 strikes).

Matsuzaka will start on Opening Day against the Athletics in Japan.

Around the bases

Before boarding the bus to the airport for the team’s trip to Japan last night, reliever Mike Timlin was sporting a splint on the ring finger of his throwing hand. The right-hander, who worked one scoreless inning yesterday, said he jammed it on a comebacker to the mound . . . Kevin Youkilis hit a three-run homer, but the Sox lost to the Blue Jays, 4-3.

jmcdonal@projo.com