Fukuoka SoftBank pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka has come to terms on a deal that will allow him to play in Puerto Rico's winter league, a Hawks source said Sunday.
The 36-year-old right-hander, who spent this past season coming back from shoulder surgery in August 2015, will play for Gigantes de Carolina. Once a contract is signed, Matsuzaka is expected to join the club in December and play for a month.
Three players for the Central League's Yomiuri Giants, including lefty Hayato Takagi, are with the Puerto Rican outfit this winter, as is former Tokyo Yakult Swallows and Giants right-hander Dicky Gonzalez.
Matsuzaka returned to Japan from the majors in 2015, but did not make a first-team appearance for the Hawks until Oct. 2 this year. In an audition for a postseason roster spot, Matsuzaka allowed five runs in one inning.
Next season will be the final year of the three-year deal Matsuzaka signed with SoftBank.