Matsui, 37, played in 13 games at Triple-A Durham, notching eight hits in 47 at bats (.170). He had two doubles and no homers.
The left-handed hitting Matsui is expected to split time with Luke Scott at designated hitter and could start Wednesday against White Sox right-hander Philip Humber.
In nine years in the United States, Matsui is a .285/.363/.467 hitter with 173 home runs with the Yankees, Angels and A's. Last season he hit .251/.321/.375 with 12 home runs in Oakland.
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