Masterson was in Strasburg’s shoes

Cleveland Plain Dealer

ANAHEIM, Calif.

Justin Masterson wasn’t a fan when it happened to him. He can only imagine how Stephen Strasburg feels.

When the Indians told Masterson that they were going to limit him to 180 innings in 2010 because it was his first full season in the rotation, he was not on board with the idea.

“I didn’t like it,” said Masterson, who beat the Angels with six scoreless innings Monday night. “I felt good. I was pitching well at the end of the season. I wanted to keep going. There was no need for me to stop.”

That September, he itched only 21 innings. His last four appearances were in relief. The Indians didn’t want to overtax Masterson’s right arm because he’d pitched only 1291/3 innings as a starter and reliever in 2009 with the Red Sox and Indians.

“I’m a big boy,” said Masterson. “Of course, I wasn’t coming off an injury like Strasburg is. I was just coming off of not starting in the near past.

“As a competitor, you want to continue to pitch and help your team. It’s really hard if your team is in the situation the Nationals are — going for the playoffs.”

In 2010 the Indians, who went 69-93, weren’t going anywhere but home at the end of the season. This year the Nationals have the best record in the big leagues at 72-44 and 5-game lead on the NL East. Strasburg is 13-5 with a 2.90 ERA in 23 starts.