Justin Daniel Masterson (born March 22, 1985) is an American former professional baseball starting pitcher. Drafted by the Red Sox in the second round of the 2006 MLB draft from San Diego State University, he made his MLB debut two years later. Masterson also played in MLB for the Cleveland Indians and St. Louis Cardinals. Known for primarily throwing a sinking fastball, the right-hander stands 6' 6" (198 cm) tall, and weighs 250 lb (113 kg).
A former All-Star selection, Masterson placed in the top-ten in the American League multiple categories in 2013, including wins, strikeouts, complete games, hits per nine innings pitched, and strikeouts per nine innings pitched. He was the first Red Sox pitcher since Fenway Park's 1912 opening to make his first four consecutive starts there and not lose any of them.
Early life
Masterson was born in Kingston, Jamaica, where his father served as dean of students at the Jamaica Theological Seminary. A few years later, Masterson moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana. He attended Beavercreek High School in Beavercreek, Ohio where he first played basketball and baseball as a catcher, pitcher, and first baseman. His mother works as a teacher and his father is a pastor.
Masterson attended Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana, where he played as a starting pitcher. While at Bethel, he hit 10 home runs (HR) during his sophomore year. He then attended San Diego State University. In 2005, Masterson played collegiate summer baseball for the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL). He posted a 1.15 ERA with 39 strikeouts in 31.1 innings pitched. In 2017, he was inducted into the CCBL Hall of Fame.
Professional career
Boston Red Sox
Baseball America rated Masterson as the 64th-best overall prospect for their 2006 Major League Baseball draft projections. The Boston Red Sox selected him in the second round. Dan Madsen signed him. Masterson began as both a starter and reliever in his minor league career for the Lowell Spinners. In 2007, his second season, the club promoted him from the Class A Lancaster JetHawks to the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs. His twelve wins that season ranked second among all Red Sox minor leaguers.
After joining the Sea Dogs, Masterson said, "I've had the confidence to be a great pitcher all along. I went to a smaller school and really proved that I had the ability to pitch, and whatever route I took to get me where I am I'm not worried about it."
In 2006, Masterson was named to Baseball America'''s short season all-star team. Masterson converted to starting pitching in early 2007, after a stint as a relief pitcher for Short Season Lowell in 2006.
The Red Sox invited Masterson to spring training before the 2008 season. On April 24, he made his Major League debut against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in an emergency call-up start. He pitched six full innings (IP) and allowed one run. The Red Sox immediately sent him back to Portland following the game. The next month, on May 20, he made his second appearance, pitching innings, allowing three hits and one run with three walks and five strikeouts and picking up his first win in the Majors.
After five starts with the major-league club, it was announced that he would stay in the majors through Daisuke Matsuzaka's return from the disabled list (DL) due to Bartolo Colón's back injury. On July 7, 2008, Masterson was sent back to the Pawtucket Red Sox, a move manager Terry Francona stated was made to transition Masterson from a starter to a relief pitcher. Masterson was recalled on July 20 due to an injury to David Aardsma In his first relief appearance, he was solid against the Seattle Mariners, shutting down the hitters and working scoreless innings at Safeco Field in Seattle.
Masterson picked up the first postseason win of his career in Game 5 of the 2008 American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Tampa Bay Rays, pitching a scoreless ninth inning in the Red Sox' 8–7 victory.
In 2009, Masterson began the season in the bullpen while also starting six games before being traded to the Cleveland Indians.
Cleveland Indians
On July 31, 2009, Masterson was traded by Boston along with minor league prospects Nick Hagadone and Bryan Price to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for Victor Martinez.
Upon arriving to Cleveland, Masterson was inserted into the Indians rotation. He started 10 games, struggling to a record of 1–7 for the rest of 2009.