As Tanaka flames out,
ARLINGTON, Tex. — Masahiro Tanaka’s starts used to be must-see TV. But that feels like a long time ago — the 11-1 start to his rookie season in 2014. Now, it’s Gleyber Torres’ turn in the spotlight — with Tanaka struggling for the second consecutive season, his offense forced to bail him out more often than not.
The Yankees are 7-2 in Tanaka’s starts this season — pending the outcome of last Tuesday’s suspended game in Washington.
But he’s pitched to a 4.95 ERA in those outings while allowing 11 homers, including two more on hanging splitters in his team’s 10-5 victory over the Rangers on Monday night at Globe Life Park in Arlington.
“There’s a lot of frustration there, mostly because of how good we’re playing but not being able to pitch effectively,” Tanaka said.
The 28-year-old righty, who opted into the final three years and $67 million remaining on his deal, allowed four runs and walked four in five innings. He has yet to reach seven innings pitched in any of his outings.
Tanaka’s dominant postseason run in 2017 following an awful regular season gives you some type of hope that he can turn it around when it matters once again.
But it’s yet another reason why the Bombers need another starter, with no guarantees in their rotation behind 24-yearold ace Luis Severino and mostly consistent veteran CC Sabathia, who at 37 still remains a potential injury risk.
The Yankees will get a look at Cole Hamels tonight, a former World Series MVP who has pitched well of late, posting a 1.59 ERA in his previous three starts against the Indians, Red Sox and Astros — all teams the Bombers could meet in October.
The 34-year-old lefty would have to waive his partial no-trade clause to facilitate a deal to the Bronx, but he certainly sounded like a guy who wants to pitch on the big stage again on Monday.