Masterson will have his expected start Wednesday against the Marlins, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports. The Red Sox will only play five games in the final week of the first half, so they'll elect to run a four-man rotation for a little while in order to get their top starters on the hill. Masterson should be available in a relief role throughout the week.

Masterson was shelled for five runs on eight hits, walking two and striking out two while recording just 11 outs, but escaped with a no-decision in a game the Red Sox would lose 12-8 in 10 innings against Houston on Friday night. His first start after being activated from the disabled list (shoulder) was encouraging, but the old Justin Masterson resurfaced in this one, and with an unsightly 6.14 ERA, his spot in the rotation is likely in jeopardy. Rumors have been circulating that Brian Johnson will soon be inserted into the rotation, and this performance will probably only intensify those expectations.

Masterson will remain the rotation and start Friday against Houston, the Boston Globe reports. This is not surprising news, after Masterson shut down the Rays for five innings Sunday. Whether or not Masterson remains in the rotation long term has yet to be determined. Any stumbles, particularly of the unsightly kind that had his ERA at 6.37 before Sunday, will likely force Boston to go another way.

Masterson's fastball velocity was still down (89-91) in Sunday's return to the rotation, but he showed marked improvement in his slider, a pitch he threw 21 ties that got eight swings-and-misses, the Boston Globe reports. Five of his six punchouts came on the slider. "You could tell the break was nice," Masterson said. "Tonight, just being able to throw strikes, that's kind of the biggest thing." There were many encouraging signs for Masterson, who threw strikes on 54 of his 84 pitches and didn't walk a batter for the first time all season. For not having pitched in 10 days, Masterson was sharp Sunday, throwing a high percentage of strikes and keeping the Rays off balance with his mix.

Masterson allowed one run (none earned) on five hits while striking out six in Sunday's win over Tampa Bay. He was lifted after throwing 84 pitches over five innings. Masterson, who was taking Joe Kelly's spot in the rotation, gave the Red Sox a nice effort before manager John Farrell turned the game over early to the bullpen. Farrell has not committed to Masterson in the starting rotation beyond Sunday's start, but the right-hander may have earned himself another shot.

Manager John Farrell would not commit to Masterson in the starting rotation beyond Sunday's start, the Boston Globe reports. Masterson was tapped to take Joe Kelly's spot in the rotation. When Farrell didn't commit to Kelly following his outing Tuesday, speculation grew about promoting Brian Johnson from Triple-A Pawtucket, but the manager eventually settled on Masterson for Sunday's start. Johnson's time is coming, so Masterson needs to pitch well if he's going to stay in the rotation beyond Sunday.

Masterson will move back into Boston's rotation and is slated to start on Sunday, Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston reports. The Red Sox optioned the struggling Joe Kelly on Thursday, opening up a spot in their rotation for Masterson. He is 2-2 on the season with a 6.37 ERA over seven starts this season, but has not taken the mound since May 12.

Masterson (shoulder) was activated from the DL on Tuesday, and he'll pitch out of the bullpen, Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston reports. After tossing a successful bullpen session, the Red Sox's medical staff has given Masterson the green light to return, but it appears the more than month away from the team has cost Masterson his rotation spot. For the time being, he'll move to the bullpen and figures to see most of his action in long relief.

Masterson (shoulder) will not make a rehab start Monday, Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe reports. Masterson threw a side session Sunday according to Sean McAdam of CSN New England, which essentially throws the possibility of a rehab start Monday out the window. The right-hander is now tentatively lined up to throw another bullpen session Tuesday, and if all continues to go well, he'll likely be activated in the near future. However, it appears he's lost his rotation spot during his time on the shelf, leaving him with minimal value to fantasy owners in the short term.

Masterson (shoulder) will either go to the bullpen or make another rehab start, the Providence Journal's Tim Britton reports. This rules out Masterson joining the big league rotation in the short term, but it is not surprising. A bullpen role would probably make the most sense, as Masterson's arsenal has the potential to play up in short bursts. The team has not said when a decision on the 30-year-old righty will be made.