Born: March 22, 1985
Resides: Beavercreek, OH
Height: 6-6
Weight: 250
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Drafted: 2nd round, 2006
How Acquired: Free agent (Dec. 2014); Draft (2006)
College: San Diego State
High School: Beavercreek (OH)

Photo © Kelly O'Connor

Links
Twelve Questions with Justin Masterson
Player Retrospective: An unlikely All-Star reun... (12.12.14)

Released (August 2015)

Scouting Report: Big righty with an ideal pitcher's build.  Dominated the Cape Cod League in 2005.  Masterson has a three-fifths arm angle with a slinging-type motion.  His arsenal includes a sinker, a slider, and a changeup.  Of those pitches, his best is a phenomenal plus-sinker with an excellent heavy drop -- he can vary its speed from 84-94 mph, catching many hitters off balance.  Also mixes in a very good slider that sits in the low 80s, and an improving 77-81 mph four-seam circle change.  Uses his sinker predominantly as his out-pitch, but also can make use of his secondary pitches to get out of jams.  Could stand to mix in his changeup a bit more.  His mix of pitches results in a high groundball-to-flyball ratio, resulting in a lot of double plays.  Very good command of the zone.  Prepares well for every game and pitches with confidence on the mound.   Good fielder with a quick and deceptive pick-off move.  Strong character, Masterson is one of the most likable persons and teammates going.  Converted to a starter in 2007 after coming out of the pen for Lowell in 2006, may still project as a reliever at this point depending on how well his changeup progresses.  Needs to work on keeping his delivery consistent deep into games - he's struggled a bit the third time through lineups.  Moved to the bullpen in mid-2008.  If he stays in the pen, Masterson will need to keep the walks down and improve his ability to pitch out of the stretch.  Ultimately, his ceiling is a #3  starter or a dominant set-up man.