Strike zone mastery not common for Masterson
[picappgallerysingle id="8628835"]Justin Masterson got shelled again tonight against the Cincinnati Reds. His loss marked the end of a winless week for the Tribe, and the team has now lost 11 of their 12.
This loss is the latest in a string of poor outings for Masterson. On this particular start the lefty seemed in control through four innings, allowing only one run, but a rough fifth and beginning of the sixth inning saw Masterson allow all six of the Reds’ runs across the plate.
In his five-plus innings pitched Saturday night Masterson walked four while striking out only two. This type of outing has become emblematic of the type of season he is having: Erratic. Masterson has struck out nine and walked none in one outing (4/14 v. Texas) while taking the loss due to allowing too many runners on base by way of hits.
Ever since his arrival in Cleveland, Masterson’s presence in the rotation has been suspect, but with young arms in AAA like Carlos Carrasco, Jeanmar Gomez and Hector Rondon ready for their callup, his days may be numbered.
Because he has shown times of brilliance (6/9 v. Boston), and this team is clearly in rebuilding mode, Masterson’s role seems secure for the time being. However, only so much can be tolerated before his position as a starter is considered a failure.
Cabrera coming back sooner than expected?
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Indians.com writer Matt Brown posted in yesterdays “Indians Beat” that shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera is “making progress and taking significant steps in his rehab.”
This is good news for the Indians who were expecting their infield wizard to be out until late July. The new timeline for Cabrera has his expected return near the All-Star Break (July 12-14).
Cabrera, of course, fractured his forearm during a collision with Jhonny Peralta during a game on May 18. A rehab assignment will still be necessary prior to the infielders return.
Reasons for the Blues, Pt. 1 of ∞
*If your browser doesn’t support the special character in the headline, it’s an infinity symbol. There are countless reasons the Tribe gives us fans the blues.
Aaron Laffey’s return to the rotation probably could have been predicted this way: 86 pitches in four innings, five hits, five runs, three walks, five strikeouts, one home run.
The Indians lost their sixth straight and fell to a season low 20 games under .500.
The biggest reason for the blues, however, came in the bottom of the fifth when Carlos Santana, the Indians prized rookie, was pulled with a bruise on his thumb. The injury came shortly after Santana’s third career home run, and though Acta was positive and the x-rays were negative, this can only be cause for concern for North Coast baseball fans.
Grab a harmonica Wahoo’s, it’s going to be a long season.
Welcome Back, Laff
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After a three month exile from the starting rotation, left-hander Aaron Laffey is set to make his return tonight against the Reds.
The Indians are mired in a five-game losing streak, and have only won one out of their last ten. Interleague play, so far, has not been kind to the Tribe, who have lost eight of their last ten in National League stadiums.
The good news is that the Reds have not been very dominant against American League opponents, however, they do come in to this weekend’s series on a three-game win streak after sweeping the A’s in Oakland.
During his brief demotion to AAA, Laffey was not dominant, evidenced by his 15 walks and nine strikeouts. He did manage to keep his ERA below four and the Indians have faith in his experience at the big league level. Current Reds do not have much experience against Laffey, so here’s to the hope the Indians can sneak one by them and end their losing streak.
Jayson Nix you say?
The Indians added right handed utility man Jayson Nix to the 25 man roster Thursday. A former first round pick (44th to Colorado in 2001), Nix has played 140 games at the big league level over three seasons between Colorado and the Chicago White Sox.
Nix was heralded as a prospect for his quick hands and power, however, his offensive numbers have never lived up to their billing. In his 140 total games Nix has an average of .200 with only 13 home runs and 39 RBI. The most troubling statistic in regards to Nix, however, is his 42 walks to 93 strikeouts.
This acquisition is a curious one for the Tribe, his versatility as an infielder obviously will benefit a team that has struggled after losing Asdrubal Cabrera. The corresponding move to get Nix on the roster sent the Indians own troubled infielder, Luis Valbuena, to AAA Columbus.
Nix is a gamble, much like Shelley Duncan and Austin Kearns, and with Asdrubal Cabrera due back in late July the duration of his time in an Indians uniform appears to be short.
In the meantime Tribe fans will be forced to look fondly upon the ’90s glory days of Vizquel and Alomar up the middle and try to ignore the wonderful combination of Anderson Hernandez and Jayson Nix.
