Blue Jays at Indians
A June swoon wasn't enough to cost Justin Masterson an All-Star berth. The sinkerball specialist will look to go into the break on a high note as he leads the Cleveland Indians into the second of a three-game series against the visiting Toronto Blue Jays. Cleveland hopes Masterson can build on a terrific performance from Ubaldo Jimenez, who combined with three relievers to hand Toronto a 3-0 shutout in Tuesday's series opener.
Masterson won just two of his six starts last month, but was still selected to his first career All-Star roster. He'll be opposed Wednesday by reliever-turned-starter Esmil Rogers, who is coming off his worst performance since being promoted to the rotation in early June. Cleveland has the upper hand on Toronto so far in 2013, winning three of their four head-to-head meetings.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, RSN (Toronto), STO (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Esmil Rogers (3-4, 3.84 ERA) vs. Indians RH Justin Masterson (10-7, 3.78)
Rogers suspected he might not have his best stuff last time out - and against the Detroit Tigers, that can spell disaster for even the best starters. "Sometimes when the game starts you know you're going to have a bad day," said Rogers, who surrendered seven runs on 11 hits over five rough innings in the 11-1 rout. "During the bullpen (warmup) I felt my sinker was not working too well."
Masterson can relate - his wasn't working at all against the Tigers last time out. The 28-year-old Jamaica native was torched for six runs on seven hits while walking four in just 4 2/3 innings of work - and he had a unique excuse afterward. "In my last start I had a little bit of a beard going on," he told the Columbus Dispatch. "I shaved it for this one and my head was a little bit lighter so it was kind of pulling off to the side."
WALK-OFFS
1. The all-time series is even at 191-191.
2. Masterson is 4-1 with a 2.80 ERA in 45 career innings against Toronto.
3. Blue Jays C J.P. Arencibia went 1-for-3 with a walk Tuesday to raise his on-base percentage to .255 - second-worst among qualified players in the majors.
PREDICTION: Blue Jays 5, Indians 3