Masterson plays catch up to 90 feet Thursday

CHICAGO -- Right-hander Justin Masterson -- who strained his left oblique muscle in his Sept. 2 start against Baltimore and had to leave the game in the second inning -- played catch before Thursday's series opener against the White Sox.

"He came out today and played catch," manager Terry Francona said. "He went out to about 90 feet [and there were] no issues, no problems. And we'll just continue that progression. … He has to go [through] his progression, but he did well.

"[When he returns] all depends on how quickly he comes back. If he's back and healthy, we can pitch him. But that has to happen. So, we don't need to put one thing ahead of the other."

Masterson is 14-10 with a 3.52 ERA in 29 starts this season.