Tom

Mastny

Mastny pitched a total of 4 1/3 innings in his first 26 days with the Indians. Perhaps this signals that he’s about to start getting used a lot more work. Mastny’s stuff is completely unremarkable, but he does know how to pitch. Though he’s unlikely to last as a closer, those desperate for saves might want to grab him now.

He threw one shutout inning, giving up one hit and striking out two, to save a game in which Cleveland rebounded after giving up 10 runs in the first inning. Go ahead and take a chance on Mastny. Saving a game that the Indians had no business winning has to have some Karmic value.

“He is aggressive and confident,” Wedge said. “I like his composure. From what I’ve seen so far, he makes pitches.” He’s worth grabbing in all leagues, but be cautious.

Jason Davis set him up with a hitless eighth in a three-run game. Mastny has pitched three of the last four days, so it’s possible that he’ll need another day off on Sunday. If that’s the case, Rafael Betancourt would be the favorite to get the save chance.

He gave up a single to Paul Konerko in front of A.J. Pierzynski’s walk-off two-run shot. Mastny had converted five straight save chances. The loss is the rookie closer’s first of the season and he should maintain the role for the time being.

Mastny, an 11th-round pick in 2003, went 10-3 with a 2.17 ERA, 123 H and 141/41 K/BB in 149 IP for Single-A Charleston last season. Because of a fastball that’s average at best, he projects as nothing more than a middle reliever.

It’s very surprising Julio couldn’t land a major league deal after posting a 3.93 ERA and a 50/20 K/BB ratio in 52 2/3 innings for the Rockies last season. He’s joining an Indians team that appears to already have six bullpen spots spoken for. He’ll be in competition with Tom Mastny for the one opening, assuming that everyone gets through the spring healthy.

Time for the Indians to shake up the pen again. Mastny has a 17.05 ERA in five appearances in the majors this season. The Indians could give Bubbie Buzachero a try.

Mastny stood out in a horrid Indians bullpen, posting a 10.80 ERA in 13 2/3 innings. He figures to return in September, but in the meantime Brendan Donnelly is expected to replace him in the bullpen.