Justin Masterson struggled last season, but the Boston Red Sox insist that he will be in their starting rotation in 2015.

The Red Sox signed the right-hander to a one-year deal worth a reported $9.5 million. It includes $2.5 million in possible incentives based on innings pitched.

Masterson was a reliever for Boston when they traded him to the Cleveland Indians in 2009.

"We clearly see Justin as a starter," Ben Cherington said. "That's what he's really been just about all the time since he was traded, so that's the role we expect him to be in, and if he's what we think he will be then he'll be a good one. Justin has had experience pitching out of the bullpen, so obviously he can do that, but we're signing him to be a starter."