Pirates sign Masterson to Minors deal
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PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates have agreed to terms on a Minor League deal with veteran right-hander Justin Masterson, the club announced Thursday.
The Pirates expressed interest in Masterson, a 2013 All-Star with the Indians, early on this offseason. The 31-year-old is coming off a couple of rough seasons, having posted a 5.79 ERA over 46 appearances (34 starts) with the Indians, Cardinals and Red Sox.
But he has a reputation as a ground-ball pitcher, which fits the Pirates' preferred pitching profile, and he is said to be healthy after undergoing shoulder surgery in September.
Masterson owns a career 64-74 record and a 4.31 ERA over eight seasons in the Majors. In 2013, he went 14-10 with a 3.45 ERA in 193 innings and made the American League All-Star team.