Indians starter Justin Masterson is a man of faith. The pitcher has voiced his belief in Cleveland’s ability to be a postseason team all season long and he still clings to that hope, even in light of the team’s latest obstacle.
During a 7-2 loss to the Orioles on Monday, Masterson left in the second inning with soreness around his left rib cage. The short-term effect of Masterson’s exit was the loss to Baltimore, which dealt Cleveland its sixth loss in the past seven games. The effect the injury will have on the Tribe’s postseason chances remains to be seen.
Start praying.
“Hopefully, the Good Lord performs a miracle, touches my side,” Masterson said. “That would be great.”
With the win, the Orioles pulled 1 1/2 games ahead of the Indians for third place in the hunt for the American League’s two Wild Card spots. Oakland and Tampa Bay hold down those two positions, with the Indians facing a deficit of 3 1/2 games.
Cleveland has seen a dramatic drop-off in offense over the past six weeks, but the performance of the pitching staff has helped keep the Indians in the race. Masterson — a first-time All-Star this season — has played a prominent role in that regard.
“He’s one of the best pitchers in the American League,” Orioles manager Buck Showalter said.
The 28-year-old Masterson has already established career bests with 14 wins and 188 strikeouts, and entered Monday’s outing ranked third in baseball with 236 groundball outs created. He has become a leader both on the mound and in the clubhouse, making his absence for any length of time tough for Cleveland.
Masterson is scheduled to undergo an MRI exam on Tuesday morning, at which time the Indians will know more about the severity of the injury.
Missing even one start would be a blow for the Tribe.
“It’s hard to quantify. He’s our best pitcher,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “But when things don’t go your way … you can either feel sorry for yourself, or you can find a way to shine. I hope that we are able to come back whether it takes everybody in the bullpen, and guys on the bench.
“You just keep fighting. That’s the best way to do it.”
Francona said Masterson first complained of mild soreness in his side — something the pitcher encountered earlier this year with no lingering issues — following the first inning. After two pitches to Matt Wieters to begin the second inning, Masterson was met on the mound by Francona and a team trainer. The pitcher stayed in the game, allowed a base hit to Baltimore’s catcher and then took a moment after throwing an 87-mph four-seam fastball to Nick Markakis.
Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera jogged to the mound and motioned to Francona.
Masterson said it was catcher Carlos Santana who was not going to allow another pitch.
“Carlos didn’t like it,” Masterson said. “So, Carlos told me I was done.”
Francona again emerged from the dugout and pulled Masterson from the game.
The Orioles took advantage of Cleveland’s misfortune, scoring three runs quickly after Masterson’s slow walk off the field. Markakis singled and then Nate McLouth sent a pitch from rookie reliever Preston Guilmet deep to right field for a run-scoring fielder’s choice. McLouth would have been rewarded with a double had it not been for a quirky scoring rule.
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