Masterson better in ND: Indians starter Justin Masterson did not factor into the decision during Friday night's contest against the Marlins. Masterson allowed two runs on six hits over seven innings in the 3-2 loss, including on a fielder's choice hit by Omar Infante in the third inning. He was pulled after throwing 111 pitches with the score tied 2-2 and finished with five strikeouts and three walks, while earning another no-decision. (Updated 05/18/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/23/12).
Fantasy Analysis
After getting roughed up against the Red Sox his last time out, Masterson was able to bounce back with a much better performance on Friday night. However, he had to settle for a no-decision and is now winless over his last three starts. The 27-year-old has some pretty lofty expectations heading into the season after putting together a breakout campaign last year. However, things haven't gone very smoothly for Masterson in the early part of the year due to some bad luck and poor outings. He will look to get himself back on track when he makes his next start, which is scheduled for Thursday against the Tigers. Masterson went 0-2 with a 4.22 ERA in four starts against Detroit last year. Fantasy owners should consider him more of a low-end option in deeper mixed and AL-only formats at this point in the year. (Updated 05/18/2012).
05/20/2012 19:47 Hit Parade for Week 8
Some catchers have been bitten by the injury bug in recent days, leaving some owners scrambling. Our Scott White shares some recommendations and helps set your lineups for Week 8 in his Hit Parade.
05/20/2012 13:40 3 to Watch: The Rivalry, what rivalry? edition
The Nationals desperately want to have a rivalry with the Phillies. The Phillies don't see it the same way. 3 to Watch says it's not a rivalry yet, but that this week's series at Citizens Bank Park could help one develop.
05/20/2012 08:36 Top 70 starters for Week 8
A lot to take into consideration before setting your pitching staffs for Fantasy Week 8. Our Al Melchior runs through his Top 70 starting options and has all the matchups.
05/17/2012 22:12 Beachy stops Marlins, earns first shutout
Brandon Beachy improved his major-league best ERA with a couple of career milestones and the Atlanta Braves beat the Miami Marlins 7-0 on Thursday night.
05/17/2012 17:31 Santana's single bails out Indians in 11th
Carlos Santana hit a game-ending single with one out and the bases loaded in the 11th inning, capping a two-run rally and lifting the Cleveland Indians to a 6-5 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Thursday.
Justin Masterson turned the corner in 2011. After spending a couple years reacclimating to the starting rotation after working primarily as a reliever in Boston, the 27-year-old finally lived up to the potential that made him the most important piece of the Victor Martinez deal in 2009. Not only did he exceed 200 innings for the first time, but he also produced the type of ERA and WHIP you'd expect from a frontline starter, emerging as the ace of a surprisingly competitive Indians squad. He did falter down the stretch with a 5.23 ERA over his final seven starts, which might make some Fantasy owners unwilling to invest in him early, but it's not like he was some journeyman performing over his head all year. Perhaps the late struggles were just the result of him extending beyond 200 innings for the first time or perhaps just the necessary market correction for what was an exceptionally low ERA most of the year. Either way, Masterson's pedigree and peripherals suggest his breakthrough was legitimate. His so-so strikeout ability makes him less than a true ace in Fantasy, but if you get him as your third starting pitcher, it's a value. (Updated 1/4/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
= probable start