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What’s the impact of Justin Masterson in the rotation?
All indications point to Justin Masterson taking Dice-K’s place in the rotation after Dice was placed on the 15-day DL with arm fatigue.
As Masterson prepares to face the Orioles on Patriots Day, the trickle-down effect is significant, especially with the specter of the Josh Beckett suspension hanging over the team.
Masterson was a versatile option out of the bullpen that changes the makeup of the pen significantly. Masterson and Okajima were the two options out of the gate in the seventh and eighth to close out a game with the lead. Now, Saito likely takes Masterson’s role, with Manny Delcarmen elevated in a role where the Sox pitch from behind.
