Exactly 1-year and a day after his last start, Dice-K returned to the bump in Fenway to take on the Nationals. Dice-K was inconsistent but did look sharp at times; fanning 8 over 5 innings. Dice-K's return was almost a microcosm of the Red Sox 2012 season thus far, one in which they show flashes of brilliance but ultimately never manage to maintain high levels of play.

Dice-K did start off the game strong but his performance began to spoil as he worked his way into trouble in the 4th inning and left the game with 4-0 deficit. To make matters worse, the Sox provided absolutely no run support for Dice-K. Through 5 innings, the only bit of Sox offense was a lone Papi single.

Boston's struggles continue but Dice-K's return was encouraging enough and the team will only get healthier as the season rolls on.

In related news, OF Marlon Byrd was DFA'd in order to make room for Dice-K on the active roster.