Manager John Farrell said Masterson (shoulder) is "ready to come back," the Boston Globe reports. "We've got a decision to be made here in the coming days," the manager said. "Depends on what role we put him in." Masterson made four rehab starts, the last of which proved he doesn't need any more starts in the minors. The decision's been made to bring him back to Boston; the only thing left to decide is whether he's a starter or reliever. We suspect he'll pitch out of the pen.

Masterson (shoulder) allowed two runs on four hits and three walks while striking out four in a rehab start for Triple-A Pawtucket on Tuesday. The start was Masterson's fourth while out on rehab. Masterson elevated his pitch count to 89 and is seemingly ready to return to Boston, though whether that is as a starter or reliever is not yet clear. We suspect he'll pitch in a relief role, but there's still some time on the rehab clock, so the Red Sox don't have to make a decision at this time.

Masterson (shoulder) will make another rehab start at Triple-A Pawtucket on Tuesday, Tim Britton of the Providence Journal reports. Masterson looked sharp in his third rehab outing with Pawtucket a few days earlier, giving up one run and striking out six over six innings. While he looks healthy and ready to go, the Red Sox don't currently have a starting role waiting for Masterson, with rookie Eduardo Rodriguez already excelling since arriving in the big leagues. Masterson may have to settle for a swingman role once he returns to the Red Sox, unless manager John Farrell ends up deciding that the right-hander rates as a better rotation option than the struggling Wade Miley or Joe Kelly.

Masterson made his third rehabilitation start Wednesday, allowing one run on two hits and a walk while striking out six in six innings for Triple-A Pawtucket. This was Masterson's best start of the three while out on rehab assignment, and it certainly doesn't look like he needs a fourth. The next decision for Boston is whether Masterson returns as a starter or a reliever. He will meet with the team when it returns home Friday to discuss the next step.

Masterson (shoulder) will make his next rehab start Wednesday for Triple-A Pawtucket, according to Tom Caron of NESN. Masterson continues to start while out on his rehab assignment, but the consensus speculation is that he'll return to Boston's active roster as a reliever. Circumstances could change, so Masterson will be prepared to start if the need arises.

Masterson allowed two runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out two in 4.2 innings in a rehab start for Double-A Portland. It was his second rehab start, after going on the disabled list May 13 with shoulder tendinitis. Masterson got his pitch count up to 80 and could remain in the minors for one more rehab start, manager John Farrell suggested to the Boston Globe. There's a chance he could pitch out of the bullpen once he returns.

Masterson (shoulder) will make his next rehabilitation start Friday for Double-A Portland, the Boston Globe reports. Masterson's first rehab start was Sunday, when he allowed three runs in 1.2 innings after reaching his 50-pitch limit.

Masterson allowed three runs (two earned) on two hits and three walks while striking out two in 1.2 innings in a rehab start for Triple-A Pawtucket. He threw 50 pitches, 30 strikes. Masterson had been scheduled to throw three innings, but the pitch count ran up and he was unable to get out of the second inning. He'll get another couple of starts at a minimum before the Red Sox determine his next step. At this point, there are a few moving pieces on the roster and it's not certain Masterson will return as a starter.

Masterson (shoulder) is scheduled to pitch three innings in a rehab start for Triple-A Pawtucket on Sunday, Tim Britton of the Providence Journal reports. Masterson figures to make multiple rehab appearances while trying to overcome shoulder soreness and his early-season struggles. Steven Wright has been better than Masterson so far, but it's hard to have much faith in Wright's continued success, and Joe Kelly has been a disaster. Masterson may thus get another shot in the big-league starting rotation, despite posting a 6.37 ERA and 24:19 K:BB ratio through his first seven outings (35.1 innings).

Masterson (shoulder) threw an extended bullpen session Wednesday and hopes to make a rehab start this weekend or early next week, the Boston Globe reports. Masterson will get a few starts in the minor before the Red Sox bring him back up to Boston.