Cleveland Indians Justin Masterson pitches well in Spring Training – MLB News
The Cleveland Indians’ starting pitcher Justin Masterson is playing well in 2012 Major League Baseball Spring Training in Arizona and earning some great appreciation within the franchise.
The latest well crafted performance of Masterson came on Saturday against the San Diego Padres when he struck-out four ace players of the Padres along with one run and four hits with no walk.
Though the game was a disappointment for the Indians, who lost 5-2, but on the whole, Cleveland were satisfied with their pitchers’ efforts. The team manager Manny Acta was first to come out in the media and praised Masterson’s extraordinary abilities.
“I was very happy with some things,” Acta said. “I liked the way Masterson threw. He got through three innings with less than 50 pitches, he mixed his pitches well.”
Many Indians’ officials also praise Masterson’s later level of thrust and the way he is playing in Arizona. Earlier, Masterson has also talked about his own game and why he is satisfied the way he is pitching at the moment.
Masterson said, “You have to be aggressive some times and loose some times. So, you just come in the middle. I think I have been able to do that most of my career. I take it with humility. There are only 30 Opening Day starters. That means you did something good. That’s where the pride comes in. The humility is that we need to keep it going and keep getting better.”
Masterson, who joined the Indians in 2009, is playing well since then and now has developed a very good understanding with his team and with all the officials, coaches and top executives. Not only he possesses the Indians’ extra amount of trust, but now, he also considered one of the most improved players in the franchise. His three years’ of contributions has given him a quite reputable place in the Indians entire roster.
Last year, he pitched with an ERA of 3.21 along with 12-10 win loss record, 158 strike-outs and 1.28 WHIP. While his overall career 3.92 ERA along with 28-38 win loss record, 485 strike-outs and 1.37 WHIP also makes him a productive player and in the coming days, his performance will also give stability to the entire Indians roster.
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