AUGUST 19: Boston has requested release waivers on Masterson, Alex Speier of the Boston Globe tweets. As Speier notes, that represents the first decision of Dave Dombrowski’s tenure with the club.
AUGUST 9: The Red Sox have designated Justin Masterson for assignment, Brian MacPherson of The Providence Journal tweets. Masterson was among several Red Sox players placed on revocable waivers last week, but there were no takers for the hurler.
Masterson is earning $9.5MM in 2015 after inking a one-year deal with Boston back in December. The 30-year-old fell off significantly last year after a three-year run in which he averaged 205 frames and a 3.86 ERA (that included outstanding campaigns in 2011 and 2013 sandwiched around a dud in 2012). In 2014, he scuffled to a 5.88 ERA in 128 2/3 innings last year, striking out 8.1 and walking 4.8 batters per nine while dealing with a variety of shoulder, knee, and back issues.
After injuries held him back, Masterson settled for a one-year deal rather than the long-term deal he probably envisioned for himself. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to get back on track in 2015 to reassert his value. Back in June, he admitted that he was open to a trade if it meant starting elsewhere.
“I dont know if it’s in my nature to do that, to say, ‘Beat it guys, trade me or put me in [the rotation],’” he said. “No, I don’t think that’s the time right now. Especially the way I see this team going and the way I believe in this team too.”
In nine starts and eight relief appearances this season, Masterson owns a 5.55 ERA with 7.4 K/9 and 4.0 BB/9. To keep track of Masterson and everyone else in DFA limbo, check out MLBTR’s DFA Tracker.
Justin Masterson’s list of Red Sox achievements:
Got V-Mart in 2009
He was also money in the 2008 playoffs.
Great kid, with a great attitude. Unfortunately those qualities do not help you keep a job in the MLB. You must perform to expectations.
I wish the absolute best for you and your family Justin.
Can’t be much worse than Jerome Williams. Pick him up for pro rated MLB min when he gets released
You say that about literally every started DFAed or released.
probably because its true
I picked him as a bargain pick up for Boston in the offseason.. I guess it goes to show that if the Cardinals can’t fix a pitcher then he is permanently broken..
Only place left for him is the Braves.
I still have it he had stayed a reliever permanently then maybe he could’ve been consistently good.
Not with an 88mph fastball
Jered Weaver?…..
According to any pundits as short as 30 days ago ” an indispensable piece of the Sox rotation. Another bargain pickup by Cherrington.
What about that Gammons?
Why does everyone spell “Cherington” with two r’s?
How did they DFA him when he pitched today against Detroit?
After the game.
Another great move by the Red Sox! PU
Still waiting for breslow!!!!!
Justin is a great young guy who may re-surface. He’s 30 and has made $30 M. He’s a FA if he can catch on for a Minor League Deal with a team that needs a slot reliever life may be good again. He has always been well liked in Boston.
Cherington should have waited around a day. He and Masterson could have split cab fair to the airport.
i stand by my original comment…..Masterson was done when the Sox picked him up. Unless they needed him for BP.
Masterson was seeking a fairly decent extension from Cleveland, and they balked… That was a tell take sign on his health
Sign him Dodgers. Can’t be worse than half the bullpen