Nick

Masset

Masset made his major league debut back in June, but he only got a chance to throw an inning before the Rangers sent him back down. He’ll be tried in middle relief.

Masset pitched two-thirds of an inning in four days with the Rangers.

Rick Bauer avoids the disabled list. Masset pitched a scoreless inning in his only appearance for the Rangers.

“Everything was coming out free and loose,” said Masset. “I’m throwing all of my pitches and I feel really strong.” Masset was shut down for a couple days last week due to shoulder soreness, but he should return to game action soon.

Masset remains shut down indefinitely, and won’t reach his goal of rejoining the Reds’ bullpen by early May. The 29-year-old setup man registered a 3.71 ERA and 62/31 K/BB ratio across 70 1/3 innings last year. There is no timetable for his return.

Masset was shut down earlier this month after experiencing tenderness in his right shoulder, but dual MRIs have ruled out structural damage and he should begin making progress again in the next couple of days. He’s on pace to join the Reds’ bullpen in early May.

Masset has been on the disabled list all season due to a sore shoulder and it doesn’t sound like he’ll join the Reds’ bullpen in the near future. “We’re waiting for that,” said Reds pitching coach Bryan Price. “We want to make sure he’s healthy before he starts throwing again.”

Masset was shutdown in spring training and hasn’t pitched in a game since March 22. He’d likely need some innings in the minors before being ready to contribute.

Masset was idle for a couple straight days due to right shoulder soreness. But it was never a big concern. The 29-year-old posted a 3.71 ERA in 70 1/3 innings last year and will act as a setup man this year for Cincinnati.

Masset was shut down for a few days with shoulder soreness, but he’s thrown bullpen sessions without issues and is ready to get back into game action. Barring a setback, he’ll be fine for Opening Day.