Justin Masterson is headed to the DL. (David Richard-USA TODAY Sports)
Struggling Cleveland Indians pitcher Justin Masterson was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with a right knee injury.
The Indians recalled left-hander Nick Hagadone and selected the contract of catcher Roberton Perez from Columbus, optioned outfielder Tyler Holt to Triple-A and designated right-hander Mark Lowe for assignment.
Masterson has never been on the DL during his eight-year major league career. The right-hander has battled the knee inflammation since missing a start last month.
In 19 starts this season, Masterson has a 4-6 record with a 5.51 ERA and 56 walks with 93 strikeouts in 98 innings. His last win came on June 8 against the Texas Rangers. Since then, he has two losses and three no-decisions.
The 29-year-old Masterson finished last season with a 14-10 record and a 3.45 ERA.
The 25-year-old Perez will will make his major league debut with the Indians after batting .305 with eight home runs and 43 RBIs in 53 games for Columbus this season. He missed two months in May with a strained hamstring.
Hagadone is 1-0 with a 6.00 ERA in six previous relief appearances with the Indians this season. With Columbus, he was 3-4 with a 3.77 ERA in 23 games.
