Slumping Cardinals pitcher Justin Masterson made some mechanical adjustments in the time since his last start, but they did not appear to do much, as he struggled yet again in a 5-1 loss to the Cubs Saturday.
The Cubs got to Masterson in the second inning for one run, but things came apart in the fourth inning. Masterson was tagged for a pair of solo home runs in the fourth, followed by one in the fifth before he was listed, after allowing five runs on six hits and a walk in 4 1/3 innings. He struck out five batters on 82 pitches in the loss.
The Cardinals acquired Masterson in July with the intention of making him a reclamation project, but that has not worked out so far. He has a 7.90 ERA in six starts since joining the Cardinals, and his rotation spot no longer appears assured. His next start is currently scheduled for Thursday in Milwaukee.