Justin Masterson Progressing Well as Opening Day Nears

(Photo Source: Yawkey Way Report)

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Justin Masterson is hoping for a bounce back season with the Red Sox, after going 7-9 with a 5.88 ERA for the Cleveland Indians and St. Louis Cardinals in 2014.

Although he has been shaky at times, Masterson has looked good overall this spring, going 2-1 with a 3.50 ERA and .250 opponent batting average in 18 innings over five games.

The 30-year old Kingston, Jamaica native delivered what was arguably his best outing of the spring so far on Monday, pitching 5 2/3 innings while allowing just one unearned run.

According to Masterson, part of his effectiveness is due to having a clean bill of health.

"It was a combination of feeling good and feeling strong and, for the most part, hitting my spots," Masterson told MLB.com. "It is definitely moving in the right direction. I was able to make a few adjustments."

"I feel great. At this time last year, if we were going into the fourth or fifth inning, I'd be giving up at least a couple of homers out there," Masterson continued. "The first couple would be good, and after that, not so much."

Boston's newly stacked offense has also seemed to have an effect on Masterson's level of comfort while on the mound.

"What I'm really excited about is, you're going to have a different guy who I feel is just going to go on hot streaks for a while. You'll have a week of this guy, a week of that guy and when they all come together, I'm going to sit there and just watch. Put my feet back and say, 'This is awesome'," shared Masterson in the same interview.

The Red Sox signed Masterson in December to a one-year, $9.5 million contract, returning him to the team that originally drafted him in 2006. With many questions surrounding Boston's rotation, the Red Sox should have a lot of reasons to feel optimistic about the return of his health.