Terry Francona is blaming command rather than any physical problem for the struggles of one-time Indians ace Justin Masterson.
The right-hander lasted just three innings Tuesday night despite seven strikeouts against the Dodgers. That start had been pushed back two days so he could overcome knee soreness. Masterson has given up 16 runs in his last 21 2/3 innings covering five starts as his ERA has climbed to 5.16.
"I think he actually feels OK," Francona told MLB.com. "I think it's some command that he's going to have to fight through. I think he physically feels pretty good. ... I think he's open to working with [pitching coach Mickey Callaway) a lot.
"...There's times right now where he's throwing it and hoping it'll have some natural movement that'll get him out of a jam, as opposed to commanding. I think some of that is confidence. Some of that is repeating. Because, when he gets on a roll, we've all seen [how good he can be]."
Masterson can be quite good, it seems, in alternate years since 2010. His current ERA, however, would be the highest of his career, not a good sign considering this is his free agent year.