Once thought of as a potential top of the rotation arm, Justin Masterson has seen his production decline a great deal in recent seasons. That all came to a head on Sunday afternoon when the Boston Red Sox designated Masterson for assignment.
The starter turned reliever had posted a 5.55 ERA in 17 appearances (nine starts) prior to Boston making the move on Sunday. Masterson had previously been placed on waivers following the July 31st no-waiver trade deadline. This is an indication that there were no takers on the trade market, which isn't too big of a surprise considering Masterson is earning $9.5 million this season.
Masterson can either accept the assignment or ask for his release, in which case he'd be free to sign with any other team. Though, Boston will definitely look to work out a trade for the veteran.
Masterson, 30, put up his best season back in 2013. The former second-round pick of the Red Sox tallied a 14-10 record with a 3.45 ERA in 29 starts for the Cleveland Indians—an accomplishment that earned him his sole All-Star appearance.