Projo Sox Blog

CINCINNATI -- Though Justin Masterson has been throwing the ball extremely well, manager Terry Francona wasn't ready this afternoon to say whether the rookie right-hander may have pitched his way into a more prominent role on the staff at an earlier stage than anticipated.

There has been talk that Masterson may be shifted to the bullpen later this season in order to cut down on his innings and to help out the relievers. Francona didn't want to get into any such specifics.

"He's pitched great," said Francona of Masterson, who lost for the first time in his budding big-league career on Friday night despite allowing three runs on only four hits to the Reds in 6 2/3 innings.

"He continues to progress. But I don't think we need to map out his progress here today. One of the things that may come into play is the health (of the other pitchers). Why would we even talk about that in June. A lot of things can happen between now and August and September. How do we know where we'll be situated (with the pitching staff) then. But he has done an outstanding job," said Francona.

Francona has been impressed that Masterson not only has shown a very good, sinking fastball, but also that he has started to effectively mix in his slider and a changeup.

-- STEVEN KRASNER

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