Justin Masterson
From BR Bullpen
Justin Daniel Masterson
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 6", Weight 250 lb.
- School San Diego State University
- Debut April 24, 2008
[edit] Biographical Information
Pitcher Justin Masterson was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the second round of the 2006 amateur draft and made his pro debut that summer with the Lowell Spinners, posting a 3-1 record and a minuscule 0.85 ERA in 14 appearances out of the bullpen. He began 2007 with the Lancaster JetHawks and was 8-5 with a 4.33 ERA in 17 starts there before being promoted to the Portland Sea Dogs, for whom he went 4-3 with a 4.34 ERA in 10 starts.
Masterson began 2008 back with Portland, allowing just 2 earned runs in his first 4 starts. When the flu bug hit the Red Sox pitching staff in April, he was called up for a start against the Los Angeles Angels on April 24th. He allowed one earned run in six innings, but Boston lost the game when the team gave up 4 runs in the seventh. He was then sent back to Portland. Masterson made 8 more starts in Boston, but was then converted into a reliever, with a view of taking over Mike Timlin's role in the bullpen. This is how he was used down the stretch, posting a solid 3.16 ERA in 88 ⅓ innings. He was a key pitcher during the postseason, being used 9 times in two series, and winning one game in the ALCS against the Tampa Bay Rays. He only gave up 2 earned runs in 9 ⅔ innings, while being used in all manner of situations by manager Terry Francona, who was short of reliable pitchers.
In spring training of 2009, Masterson worked out as a starter, although he was in the bullpen to start the year. That changed when Daisuke Matsuzaka was placed on the disabled list after two start, leaving his spot in the rotation open for Masterson. The youngster took advantage of the opportunity by winning his first two starts in convincing fashion.
Masterson was born in Jamaica because his father was a Christian missionary on the island.
