CLEVELAND (92.3 The Fan) – For the second straight season, Justin Masterson will be the Indians opening day starter when the team opens the season April 2nd in Toronto.

Masterson was given the news today in the dugout by Indians manager Terry Francona, who managed him in Boston before he was traded to the Indians in the Carlos Santana deal.

“As the ace, I look to be the leader of the staff and set an example and go out there and set the tone,” Masterson told the Media County Gazette. “You do that by going out and performing, which didn’t always happen last year.

“So my goal is to be the leader of this pitching staff and to set the example, and when something needs to happen, guys will look to me to go out there and get the job done.”

Last year in the opener vs the Jays at home, he allowed one run on two hits over eight innings, but closer Chris Perez couldn’t close out the win, and the Indians eventual lost the game 7-4.

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