It was difficult for the Red Sox to part ways with promising young pitcher Justin Masterson at the 2009 trade deadline, which is likely the reason that the team tried to re-acquire him at this year's trade deadline.
According to Peter Gammons, the Red Sox made a run at Masterson prior to the July 31 deadline, but were turned away by the Cleveland Indians.
The Red Sox traded Masterson to the Indians on July 31, 2009, as part of a deal that brought Victor Martinez to Boston. Prior to that, Masterson was used as both a reliever and spot starter with the Red Sox.
For the Red Sox in 2008 and 2009, Masterson was 9-8 with a 3.76 ERA in 67 appearances, 15 of which were starts. He also enjoyed postseason success with the team in 2008, posting a 1-0 record with a 1.86 ERA in 9 2/3 innings over nine appearances between the ALDS and ALCS. He was the winning pitcher in Game 5 of the ALCS, in which the Red Sox battled back from a seven-run deficit in the seventh inning to win 8-7 and extend the series.
Since being traded to Cleveland, all but one of Masterson’s appearances has been starts. In 33 games with the Tribe, Masterson is 5-17 with a 5.14 ERA. This season, he is 4-10 with a 5.40 ERA in 22 starts.
Masterson, who is still young and remains under the Indians’ control through 2014, appears to be an integral part of the team’s plans moving forward.
Had the Red Sox brought him back, they likely would have used him as either a reliever or spot starter, much like they did before.
There are no indications that the sides came close to a deal, but it is evident that the Red Sox have continued to keep a close eye on the youngster’s progression. Masterson’s five strong innings in a win over his former club on Wednesday shows why.
