The Boston Red Sox on Saturday announced they have released submarine right-hander Shunsuke Watanabe.

Watanabe, who was signed to a minor league contract in December, pitched in three spring exhibition games but gave up two runs and two hits in three innings and had a 6.00 ERA.

The 37-year-old said he is keen to continue playing in the United States.

"I knew it would be a tough world," said Watanabe. "It was inspiring and it made me feel rejuvenated. I am in good condition and I want to play in the United States."

"I will do my best in the hope that I meet (Junichi) Tazawa and (Koji) Uehara somewhere down the line," he said of Boston's right-handed Japanese relievers.