Justin Masterson will do what it takes to get back to Boston.

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Journal / Mary Murphy

PAWTUCKET — Justin Masterson isn’t about to argue with the Boston Red Sox.

The 23-year-old pitching prospect knows the track record. He has seen what patience and persistence will equal for a potential big-league pitcher if you’re fortunate enough to be in the Red Sox’ organization. It may be frustrating at times, but in the end the club’s philosophy when it comes to young pitchers has paid off.

The 2008 season is only two months old and already Masterson has experienced a lot.

“It’s like I was dreaming there for a little bit and now I’m back to reality,” he said. “It’s been pretty exciting.”

Masterson began the season at Double-A Portland, then was called up to make a spot start for the Red Sox. He was solid in his major-league debut before being sent back to Portland, where he struggled a bit. It didn’t matter because he was back in Boston to make his second start, which was another good outing.

This time, Masterson was assigned to Pawtucket and was set to make his Triple-A debut when he was told he would miss a start to give him some rest. Not exactly what he was expecting, but he wasn’t surprised, either.

“They know what they’re doing,” said Masterson of the Red Sox’ philosophy. “You have to buy in and know what they’re doing is to help you. The competitive drive in me wants to be out there, but I understand enough to know they have a plan. They have a future plan, and as a young kid you don’t always have the ability to see it. I’m excited about what has happened already, and I can’t wait to see what happens from here on.”

Here’s what is going to happen.

Masterson was originally scheduled to make his Triple-A debut on Saturday in Durham. But now he will start for Pawtucket today at McCoy Stadium, perhaps as preparation for another appearance in Boston next week.

Daisuke Matsuzaka had to leave Tuesday night’s game in Seattle because of shoulder fatigue, and both Matsuzaka and manager Terry Francona said they were unsure if Dice-K would be able to make his next scheduled start.

By moving up Masterson’s start, it would put him in line to pitch Tuesday, which, because of Thursday’s off-day, could be Matsuzaka’s next turn in the rotation. Tim Wakefield, who pitched last night for the Sox in Seattle, could work Monday in Baltimore — Matsuzaka’s actual day to pitch — on normal rest because of the off-day.

When Masterson arrived at McCoy Stadium after his second big-league start, Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson summoned the young right-hander into his office to break down the game plan for his development. It was a five-minute conversation, and Masterson understood every word of it.

“He’s blended into this ballclub better than anybody I’ve ever seen,” said Johnson. “I heard about his personality before he came here, and he’s living up to it.”

Clay Buchholz, who is in Pawtucket on a rehab assignment, will pitch tomorrow in Durham, and thus would be unable to work either Monday or Tuesday.

“I’m just the type of guy who does what they tell me to do,” said Buchholz. “It doesn’t matter what I think, because most times they already have their mind set on doing what they want to do as far as my development process. That’s the way it’s always been, and they’ve never strayed away from anything they’ve ever told me as far as limits and restrictions.”

Masterson said having Buchholz and other young Red Sox pitchers around who have been through the same thing has been helpful.

“If you get frustrated, it’s just going to urge you into preparation,” said Masterson. “You have to stay positive, and next time you’re on the rubber just get the job done.”

When Jon Lester was in Pawtucket, the left-hander was on a strict pitch count. He was clearly frustrated with it and said so. It took a long time for the Red Sox to release the strong hold on his pitch count, but when they finally did it was worth it.

“It was never a delightful situation,” said Johnson, referring to his trips to the mound to pull Lester from a start after only 30 pitches. “It was like sticking a finger in your eye. It was terrible. It was brutal and I hated it. But, you know what? I respected the heck out of it because he’s such a competitor.”

Unlike Lester, Masterson has a different outlook.

“It’s happened to guys before me,” he said. “So for me to come up here and not think it would happen to me is an oblivious statement — that’s just ignorance. In one respect, it tells you that you’re on the right path. I’m following the guys who have thrown two no-hitters — not like that’s going to happen to me. I’m moving in the right direction and feel very comfortable.”

jmcdonal@projo.com