Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Justin Masterson was once a highly touted prospect with The Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox drafted Masterson in the second round of the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft out of San Diego State University. Masterson made his Major League debut for The Red Sox in 2008 posting a 6-5 record with an earned run average of 3.16 as he split time as a starter and as a reliever. The Red Sox were in playoff contention in 2009 and the young Masterson was traded to The Indians as a part of a deal to acquire catcher Victor Martinez. Since the trade Masterson has gotten better little by little which has been highlighted by his fast start out of the chute this season. Masterson has a 6-2 record to go along with a 3.14 earned run average and 60 strikeouts. Masterson’s six victories are tied for second place in The American League while his 60 strikeouts currently have him tied for sixth place in The AL with his former Red Sox teammate Clay Buchholz.
What has helped Masterson this season is that he is taking a trip down memory lane. Masterson has been reunited with his former manager with The Red Sox, Terry Francona. Francona has a calming approach to the managerial position and Masterson is living proof of that.
In his nine starts this season, Masterson has given The Indians six quality starts. Masterson also has two complete games shutouts under his belt this season as well. On April 12, Masterson struck out seven batters and scattered five hits as The Tribe defeated The Chicago White Sox 13-0. This past Monday, Masterson struck out nine and only surrendered four hits as Cleveland defeated The New York Yankees 1-0.
Masterson is a big reason why The Indians are only .5 game behind The Detroit Tigers in The American League Central. The Tigers are the defending American League Champions and they were expected to run away with this division, but they have not been able to shake Masterson and The Indians. Masterson has started four games against The AL Central this season and in those contests Masterson’s record is 3-1 including a pair of victories over The White Sox.
If The Indians are going to hang with The Tigers in The AL Central as the summer approaches, Masterson will be a big reason why as he has become the unquestioned leader of The Indians pitching staff.
Source: Baseball-reference.com
Leave A Comment