Projo Sports Blog

BOSTON (AP) - Justin Masterson could be a valuable member of Boston's starting rotation in the future. He could be a strong option in the Red Sox bullpen.

For Boston manager Terry Francona, it's a nice dilemma to have.

"I think we see him as a good pitcher," Francona said before the Red Sox beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-2 Monday night to advance to the AL championship series. "I think he could start. He's already proven that to some extent in the major leagues even though it's been a small sample size."

Masterson struggled in Game 4 of the first-round series, allowing Torii Hunter's two-run single in the eighth that tied it at 2.

With a runner on first and two outs, he came in and walked Vladimir Guerrero, then threw a pitch that seemed to cross up catcher Jason Varitek for a passed ball. Hunter followed with his hit, but Masterson retired Mike Napoli to end the inning.

In his first major league start on April 24, Masterson allowed one run and two hits in six innings of a 7-5 loss to the Angels. The right-hander faced that same team Sunday night in the postseason and threw a 96 mph fastball past Guerrero for an inning-ending strikeout with a runner on first and the game tied in the eighth.

Masterson also pitched a scoreless ninth before the Angels won 5-4 in 12 innings, cutting Boston's lead to 2-1 in the series.

In nine starts this season after being recalled from Double-A Portland, Masterson went 4-3 with a 3.67 ERA. In his next 27 appearances, all in relief, he was 2-2 with a 2.36 ERA. He worked out of the bullpen in each of the first three postseason games, allowing one earned run in 3 1-3 innings.

His future role "will be determined on how we feel he can impact us more," Francona said. "What direction it goes will be interesting and we don't have that answer yet."

 Tags  Boston Red Sox Justin Masterson

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