INDIANAPOLIS – Steven Brault is moving closer to taking the next step in returning to the Indianapolis rotation after suffering a hamstring injury while running out a grounder on May 8th.
Brault will throw off a mound today, but from a shortened distance, he said prior to the Indians’ game on Thursday. He also said it’s not going to be a full bullpen session.
He also expects to throw a bullpen session shortly after, possibly Saturday.
“My hamstring feels great,” Brault said. “I’m well on my way and feel really good. I have no issues anymore.”
Brault has continued to throw as he recovered his hamstring, he said, noting because of that he has not lost any arm strength. He had a 2.70 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP in six starts this season, striking out 35 and walking 11.
MASTERSON MAY START THIS WEEKEND
Justin Masterson has been in Indianapolis since Tuesday, though no official roster move has been announced. Because Masterson pitched five innings on Sunday, there was no need to make an immediate roster move for someone who wouldn’t pitch immediately, Dean Treanor said. A roster move won’t come until possibly today.
It appears that Masterson will be used as a starter to begin with in Indianapolis. But that may almost be as much necessity as desire. The Indians have a scheduled doubleheader on Saturday against Toledo. Treanor said he is likely to start one of those games, probably with a five inning limit.
And while nothing is set, Masterson could likely start again when the Indians have a doubleheader five days later at Columbus.
Nothing has been set for how Masterson will be used past those upcoming doubleheaders, Treanor said.
Masterson started for Bradenton on Saturday and pitched five innings.
