David Richard-US PRESSWIRE
Written by
Associated Press
CLEVELAND -- Right-hander Justin Masterson and the Cleveland Indians avoided arbitration with a one-year contract agreement.
Masterson, the Indians' most consistent starter last year, will make $3.85 million in 2012. He made $468,400 last season.
Masterson had a breakout season in 2011, going 12-10 with a 3.21 ERA. He also led the Indians with 158 strikeouts and 33 starts. The hard-throwing 26-year-old, who was acquired in 2009 from Boston, was just 6-13 in 2010. However, he opened 5-0 last season and developed into their ace before the club traded for Ubaldo Jimenez.
The Indians once considered moving Masterson into the bullpen, but that no longer seems likely.
By TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer
The Associated Press