TOKYO -- Former New York Yankees pitcher Hideki Irabu believes Hideki Matsui will easily adjust to life in the major leagues.

"He's very talented,'' Irabu said Wednesday.

"As long as he stays away from injuries and is able to play his brand of baseball I think he's got what it takes to make it in the majors,'' added Irabu.

Irabu, making a comeback in Japan with the Hanshin Tigers, joined the Yankees in 1997 after signing a four-year, $12.8 million contract. The hard throwing right-hander went 29-20 over three seasons with the Yankees.

"There's a lot of pressure to win in New York,'' said Irabu. "You have to be able to play in that type of environment.''

Matsui, who signed with the Yankees for $21 million over three seasons, is expected to play left field.

The 28-year-old slugger had a .304 career average with 332 homers and 889 RBIs in 1,268 games over 10 seasons for the Yomiuri Giants. He has hit .300 or more in four straight seasons with at least 36 homers and 95 RBIs.