BALTIMORE -- In what was likely his final rehab assignment in the minor leagues, Justin Masterson allowed one run on two hits over six innings for the Pawtucket Red Sox Wednesday afternoon.
What comes next for Masterson, who was placed on the disabled list last month with right shoulder inflammation, is uncertain.
"He showed a good sinker,'' reported John Farrell. "He got a number of swings-and-misses. He used, probably the same distribution of fastball and slider that we've seen here. We'll check with him when we return to Boston and we may have a decision to be made here.
"It was six quality innings, probably a line score that you'd like to see before someone returns. He's doing his end of the deal.''
One issue with Masterson: his fastball remained in the mid-to-high 80s and has yet to approach the low 90s fastball that he flashed in 2013, his last fully healthy season.
"We've seen him being successful at this level when he's been in the upper 80s and touched 91 mph. So to suggest that he needs to be in the low-to-mid 90s, that's certainly not what we're looking for. But I think more than anything, this start today was a pretty large step in the right direction.
"It's best right now to sit with Justin and kind of collectively walk through some things that are present right now.''
Boston Red Sox
There wouldn't seem to be an opening in the rotation as it stands. Last weekend, the Sox dropped Steven Wright from the rotation to make room for rookie phenom Eduardo Rodriguez.
"It's a credit to the five guys who are starting here,'' said Farrell."We've had our hiccups along the way as probably any rotation would, but I think for the most part, it's become an area of dependability for us. Eddie's arrival has had a lot to do with that the last three times through.
"So, like I said, we've got a decision to make.''
The Sox could opt to have Masterson pitch out of the bullpen, but that would likely require them to return Wright to Pawtucket to accommodate Masterson's return.