News
Masterson an underrated 'pen performer
Atlanta (32-35) vs. Boston (41-27), 1:35 p.m. ET
By John Barone / MLB.com
06/21/09 12:56 AM ET
BOSTON -- When Justin Masterson began to warm up during the first inning Friday night, a game started by the struggling Daisuke Matsuzaka, manager Terry Francona developed a pit in his stomach.A short outing appeared to be in the cards for the Japanese right-hander, who has yet to find a consistent rhythm this season. The saving grace for Francona and the Red Sox, however, was the confidence in knowing that the lanky hurler in the bullpen was more than capable of keeping Boston in the ballgame if called upon.
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Masterson, who assumed Matsuzaka's rotation spot earlier this season while the latter worked his way back from a mild right shoulder strain, eventually entered Friday's game and held the Atlanta bats in check over 2 1/3 frames. In six relief outings since June 4, he has not allowed an earned run.
On a loaded Red Sox staff that features an array of weapons from top to bottom, the versatile Masterson just might be Boston's most underrated asset.
"He's been terrific," Francona said, whose team will look to take the rubber game of its weekend series against the Braves in a "Sunday MLB on TBS" matchup at Fenway Park. Chip Caray will have the call, joined by analyst and former Major League pitcher Ron Darling.
"Whether he's been a starter or a reliever, he's done a terrific job. His velocity seems to go up out of the bullpen in shorter stints. He gives us a lot of flexibility."
Though Francona is never pleased to see a rough outing from one of his starters, it's equally calming to know that Masterson is a viable candidate to fill any void.
"You don't see a lot of guys who can do that," Francona said. "He has the ability to pitch the first, the ninth, or the 12th. He's kind of a rare young pitcher, and a fantastic kid."
Pitching matchupBOS: RHP Tim Wakefield (9-3, 4.39 ERA)
Wakefield continues to shine amidst the controversy surrounding Boston's crowded rotation. The 42-year-old knuckleballer picked up his ninth win of the season last Tuesday at Fenway Park, allowing two runs on six hits over six innings against the Marlins. A 13-game winner in Interleague Play, Wakefield is 3-4 lifetime against Atlanta with a 5.06 ERA in 13 appearances. ATL: RHP Jair Jurrjens (5-5, 2.89 ERA)
After a lengthy rain delay limited him to two innings against the Reds last Tuesday, Jurrjens should be well rested as he attempts to end a personal three-game losing streak. The 23-year-old right-hander, who is 0-3 with a 4.20 ERA in his past three starts, continues to be saddled with poor run support. The Braves have scored 37 runs for him in 14 starts this season. Jurrjens is 2-0 with a 3.54 ERA in his past four day-game assignments. Tidbits
Pitcher Josh Beckett's complete-game shutout on Saturday night marked the first by a Red Sox pitcher in Interleague Play. ... Designated hitter David Ortiz's 253 doubles as a member of the Red Sox are one shy of Duffy Lewis for 14th on the club's all-time list. ... Shortstop Nick Green has hit safely in eight of his past 11 games. Tickets
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• Monday: Off-day
• Tuesday: Red Sox (Brad Penny, 6-2, 4.94) at Nationals (TBD), 7:05 p.m. ET
• Wednesday: Red Sox (Jon Lester, 5-6, 4.69) at Nationals (TBD), 7:05 p.m. ET
John Barone is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
