Daisuke Matsuzaka wanted to stick around the American League to play under manager Terry Francona again, but also so he can face the Red Sox.

Matsuzaka, who signed with the Indians on a minor league deal that would pay him $1.5 million if he makes the club, spoke to reporters on Wednesday.

“What it came down to was I wanted to pitch for an American League team,” said Matsuzaka, “and I wanted to pitch against Boston to see what that would be like. And, of course, I wanted to play under Tito again.”