Justin Masterson Injury: Updates on Red Sox Pitcher's Shoulder and Return

Starting pitcher Justin Masterson returned to the Red Sox's starting rotation on June 28 against the Tampa Bay Rays after he was placed on the disabled list on May 14 (retroactive to May 13) due to shoulder tendinitis. His last rehab assignment with the Pawtucket Red Sox came on June 10.

Kevin McNamara of the Providence Journal noted on June 10 that Masterson allowed one run on two hits in six innings in his rehab start with Triple-A Pawtucket. McNamara also stated the righty needed only 75 pitches to complete those six innings. 

Starting pitching as a whole has been a major issue for Boston this season, and Masterson has been at the center of it, with his ERA ballooning to an unsightly 6.37. Perhaps the Red Sox shouldn't be surprised, though, as he posted a 5.88 ERA last season with the Cleveland Indians and the St. Louis Cardinals.

The 30-year-old righty was an All-Star selection two seasons ago, as he went 14-10 with a 3.45 ERA, but that probably feels like a lifetime ago to Red Sox fans.

Perhaps Masterson needs some time on the shelf in order to heal and correct whatever is holding back his velocity, but it is also entirely possible that he'll never regain his previous form.

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