Indians sidearming right-hander Justin Masterson is off-again in 2014 in his propensity for trading on-again, off-again seasons. Soreness in his right knee, which has been plaguing him since the second start of the season, could be used as a legitimate excuse.
The ailment will prevent Masterson from making his scheduled start Sunday in Seattle. It has also prevented him from gaining any semblance of consistency this season, as his 5.03 ERA (highest among any Cleveland starter) can attest. His velocity has dropped several miles per hour this year. Masterson was asked if the knee soreness has been responsible for that.
"I don't know," he replied to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "It's just been a little nagging. Maybe it's taken (away) a little of the power and consistency."
Masterson has not reached the fifth inning in two of his last three starts.