Dodgers Rumors: Which players should the Dodgers call-up next?
By Jason Reed
Justin Masterson – RHP
2017 AAA Stats: 3-1, 43.2 IP, 2.06 ERA, 47 K’s
Justin Masterson was signed by the Dodgers in March to add to the farm system and provide another option if the Dodgers were to go down with an extreme amount of injuries like in 2016. Nobody really expected Masterson to fight for a big league spot, he has not pitched in the majors since August of 2015 and even when he was in the majors it was nothing spectacular.
Because of this, the signing of Masterson went fairly unnoticed. He put up a career 64-74 record with a 4.31 ERA, nothing really to glamorize about. Heck, even when I heard that we signed Masterson, I knew his name, but I expected him to just do his time in the minor leagues and at the most fill out a bullpen spot when the rosters expand.
Boy, could I not be more wrong, and quite frankly, I am surprised the Dodgers have not given him a shot yet. Granted, AAA ball is not the same as the MLB, but it is the closest thing to it. Some of the best young players play in AAA, so for Masterson to post an ERA just a tick over two is highly impressive. He has proven his worth, now it is the Dodgers time to recognize it.
The only thing that has held Masterton back is the countless amount of arms in the big leagues. Even when the team was hit with some injuries, they still had the likes of Wood and Urias to fill in. However, as Hyun-Jin Ryu continues to struggle, and Julio Urias likely being shut down, we may see Masterton pitching in Chavez Ravine fairly soon.