Justin Masterson

Justin Masterson was released by the Red Sox on Wednesday, Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe reports. Masterson was DFA'd earlier in the month.

Fantasy Impact

Justin Masterson did horrible in his return to the Red Sox this season. Masterson finished his Sox season with a shaky 5.61 ERA and 1.60 WHIP in 59.1 innings. He will probably get picked up by a pitching hungry team but will not be a factor in fantasy.

Justin Masterson was designated for assignment Sunday, Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal reports.

Fantasy Impact

Justin Masterson has struggled all season and was demoted to the bullpen. He has a 5.61 ERA and 1.60 WHIP which helps explain why the Red Sox will move in a different direction.

Justin Masterson has been moved back into the bullpen coming out of the All-Star break with Steven Wright getting the promotion from Triple-A to start Saturday against the Tigers.

Fantasy Impact

Justin Masterson's struggles continue as he has not done well in bullpen work coming out of the All Star break having allowed three earned runs over 2.2 innings. He's also struck out four and walked one, while hitting a pair of batters and throwing two wild pitches.

Justin Masterson pitched three scoreless innings of relief in Saturday night's loss to the Angels. He allowed one hit and struck out four.

Fantasy Impact

Justin Masterson lost his spot in the rotation so seeing a solid appearance out of the bullpen is an encouraging sign. Masterson needs to gain the trust of the Boston coaching staff before earning a starting spot and is not an option at this time for fantasy owners.

In his first start since May 12th, Justin Masterson went five innings and picked up the win against the Rays on Sunday. Masterson threw 84 pitches allowing five hits and zero walks while striking out six. The win was Masterson's first since April 20th.

Fantasy Impact

Masterson's return to the rotation as Joe Kelly's replacement was met with a few moans and groans, but so far so good. The biggest highlight from his start against the Rays was his control evidenced by his zero walks. However, one good start does not make a fantasy season so there's no need to rush to the waiver wire and snatch up Masterson. Give it some time to see if this turnaround is for real.