Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer believes that both Justin Masterson and the Indians are receptive to the idea of a multi-year contract extension.

Hoynes believes however that Randy Rowley, Masterson's agent, would prefer to let the free agent market for starting pitchers unfold before really entering any negotiations. The 28-year-old Indians ace is coming off a very strong 2013 campaign where he compiled a 14-10 record, 3.45 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 195/76 K/BB ratio in 193 innings. After losing both Ubaldo Jimenez and Scott Kazmir to free agency this winter, it would be very wise to lock up Masterson as soon as possible.

ESPN's Buster Olney says "there are no legs" to the Yankees' reported interest in Justin Masterson.

The Yankees probably don't have the prospects to pull off a deal anyway. Masterson, 28, posted an outstanding 3.45 ERA this past season for the Indians, fanning 193 batters in 195 innings. The Diamondbacks have been suggested as a potential trade partner for the Tribe.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Yankees would like to trade for Justin Masterson.

Nightengale suggests that a three-team trade might be in the works, with the Yankees dangling outfielder Brett Gardner. Masterson, 28, had a 3.45 ERA and 195 strikeouts in 193 innings this past season in Cleveland. He is entering his final year of contractual control. The Diamondbacks are also thought to have interest.

ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the Diamondbacks are interested in Justin Masterson.

Olney says the D'Backs are "pushing" for a pitcher and are also in on the Cubs' Jeff Samardzija. The Indians have decided to field offers for Masterson since he's entering his walk year and they're not sure they'll be able to ink him to a long-term extension. It sounds like GM Kevin Towers is intent on upgrading his rotation this week.

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Indians are listening to trade offers for Justin Masterson.

The Indians are aiming to contend in 2014 and Masterson is their ace, but Rosenthal says the thinking in dealing him would be to explore "longer-term options." Masterson is entering his walk year, and the Tribe must not feel good about their chances of locking him up to a long-term extension. Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported earlier this offseason that Masterson was looking for an extension in the five-year, $75 million range.

Jayson Stark of ESPN.com reports that the Indians aren't "actively" shopping Justin Masterson.

The Indians are listening, but clubs who have called believe that Masterson is unlikely to be moved. The 28-year-old posted a 3.45 ERA and 195/76 K/BB ratio over 193 innings this past season and could see his salary rise above $9 million in his final year of arbitration. The Indians are expected to discuss a possible contract extension this winter.

Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that the Indians will attempt to negotiate a multi-year extension with ace Justin Masterson this winter.

Masterson is rumored to be seeking a five-year deal in the $75 million range. The 28-year-old right-hander posted a 14-10 record, 3.45 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 195/76 K/BB ratio through 193 innings in 2013. He dealt with an oblique injury at the end of the regular season, but is expected to be fully healthy for the start of spring training.

Indians manager Terry Francona indicated Monday that Justin Masterson could be used as closer during the playoffs.

Masterson isn't stretched out enough to start following his oblique injury, but the Indians could utilize him in the late innings amid Chris Perez's struggles. "We went from losing our best pitcher to probably being the only team left in baseball that could have a guy finish the game potentially throwing three innings," said Francona. "That's quite a weapon. We plan to use it. That's kind of the way we've played all year. Somebody picks somebody else up at a different time. We may not do it in a conventional style, but that doesn't mean we can't do it."

Justin Masterson (oblique) was told that he'll be the Indians' "sixth-inning man" this weekend.

Masterson made his first appearance since September 2 on Wednesday, throwing a scoreless inning of relief against the White Sox. He'll finish the regular season in a middle relief role, but he hopes to pitch as a starter if the team advances to the playoffs.

Justin Masterson (oblique) threw a scoreless inning of relief Wednesday night against the White Sox.

Masterson hadn't pitched in a game since September 2 due to an oblique strain. If the Indians make a deep October run, the right-hander may get another chance to start. For now he will continue to rehab in long relief.

Justin Masterson (oblique) will be available out of the Indians' bullpen as soon as Wednesday or Thursday.

He was cleared after completing a simulated game Sunday with no issues. It's possible Masterson could eventually return to the rotation during the postseason, but for now he'll be limited to relief work. "We'd have to play for awhile, I would say," manager Terry Francona said of Masterson possibly rejoining the rotation.

Justin Masterson (oblique) threw 26 pitches in a simulated game on Sunday.

He also tested his left side by throwing a pair of pickoff attempts to first base. He will be used exclusively out of the bullpen for the final week of the season, as there are no plans to get him stretched out just yet.

Justin Masterson (oblique) will throw a simulated game on Sunday.

Masterson threw 33 pitches off a mound on Friday and didn't have any issues. The Indians haven't officially ruled out his chances of making a late-season start, but it's much likelier that he'll be used in a relief role for now and then possibly rejoin the rotation if the Tribe makes the playoffs.

Justin Masterson (oblique) will pitch a simulated game on Sunday or Monday.

Masterson threw 33 pitches off a mound on Friday, the first time he had done so since sustaining the oblique injury on September 2. Upon returning to the Indians, he'll be used a reliever initially, while stretching him out.

Justin Masterson (oblique) threw 33 pitches off a mound Friday.

It was his first time throwing off a mound since an oblique injury on September 2. Masterson is scheduled for another mound session or perhaps a simulated game on Monday or Tuesday. If all goes well, he should return to action before the end of the regular season.

Justin Masterson (oblique) feels good and is ready to throw off a mound Friday.

Masterson long-tossed from a distance of 120 feet on Wednesday and also threw fastballs and sliders off flat ground. If all goes well, he'll return to action next week, though it's unclear if he'll do so as a starter or reliever.

Justin Masterson (oblique) will throw a bullpen session Friday.

He had been hoping to throw one a little sooner, but he'll stick to the original schedule. "He went out to 120 feet then threw 20-25 pitches - fastballs and sliders - on flat ground,'' Indians manager Terry Francona said. ""As long as there are no repercussions, he'll throw a bullpen Friday, which is really exciting.'' He has a chance to return as a starter late in the year, but the bullpen might be more likely.

Justin Masterson (oblique) could throw off a mound before Friday.

Masterson has had no issues while playing catch and wants to bump up his timetable. Indians manager Terry Francona said that the bullpen session is possible as long as clearance is given by team doctors. Masterson is hoping to make it back for a couple starts this season, but one start is probably more realistic.

Justin Masterson (oblique) is on track to throw a bullpen session on Friday.

Masterson has played catch four of the last five days and hasn't had any issues with his strained left oblique. The Indians are hoping that the big right-hander will be able to pitch before the end of the season, though it's possible it could be as a reliever. "What we'd like to do is have him be healthy and then figure out how to best use him as a weapon," manager Terry Francona said.

Justin Masterson (oblique) could throw a bullpen session by next weekend.

Masterson played catch Thursday and Friday and will do it again Sunday and Monday. "He's progressing well and feels good," said Indians head athletic trainer Lonnie Soloff. "We've been overly cautious early with the hope that it will help us later in the process." The Indians are hoping Masterson will make it back for a start or two in the final weeks.