Sunday’s shaky relief appearance might have been Justin Masterson’s last in a Boston Red Sox uniform.
The Red Sox designated the right-hander for assignment after he gave up a solo home run in one-plus inning of work in a 7-2 win over the Detroit Tigers. The earned run raised Masterson’s ERA this season to 5.61 — the worst among all Red Sox relievers.
“It was consistent strike-throwing, when you boil it down to it,” manager John Farrell told reporters in Detroit, as aired on “Red Sox Extra Innings LIVE.” “He flashed some better arm strength at various points in time this season, but the overall consistency just wasn’t there.
“He was tough on some right-handers, and then the ability to hold it together in a starting role — multiple times through the order — that came and went. And then when we got him in the bullpen, he’d again have flashes of solid contributions, but again, it’s the inconsistencies that led to this.”
Center fielder Mookie Betts is set to return from the seven-day concussion disabled list this week, but Farrell said Betts will not be taking Masterson’s spot on the 25-man roster. Instead, the Red Sox plan to keep a full stable of bullpen arms and will add another to the roster before opening a two-game series against the Miami Marlins on Tuesday.
“Innings to give to others to take a look,” Farrell told reporters, explaining why he made the move to designate Masterson. “So, we’ve got some moves coming up here. The corresponding move has yet to be determined, but I just felt like, in fairness to Justin, rather than travel, it was time to inform him here (Sunday).”
Masterson, who is set to hit free agency this winter, began the season as a starter for the Red Sox but landed on the DL after posting a 6.37 ERA over his first seven starts. He made two additional starts following his return to action in late June but was shifted to the ‘pen after giving up five earned runs in just 3 2/3 innings in a July 3 loss to the Houston Astros.
Nine relief appearances followed for the 30-year-old former Red Sox prospect, with Masterson allowing at least one hit in eight and at least one run in four.
Boston’s collective bullpen ERA this season is 4.04, which is 24th in the majors.
Thumbnail photo via Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY Sports Images
