Empire Writes Back
Fansided

New York Yankees: Problems with the Starting Rotation

By Christian Kouroupakis

Oct 6, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka (19) reacts after the second inning against the Houston Astros in the American League Wild Card playoff baseball game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka (19) reacts after the second inning against the Houston Astros in the American League Wild Card playoff baseball game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 7
Next
New York Yankees
Oct 6, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka (19) reacts after giving up a solo home run to Houston Astros left fielder Colby Rasmus (not pictured) during the second inning in the American League Wild Card playoff baseball game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

When Masahiro Tanaka is healthy, he’s shown he has the control and the nastiest selection of pitches to be the head of a rotation. But, the catch is “when he’s healthy.” Tanaka hasn’t particularly stayed on the field during his first few years in pinstripes.

He missed a month during his rookie campaign due to a partial tear in his elbow, an elbow that many people consider to be a “ticking time bomb.” The next time he clenches that elbow, he could be heading towards Tommy John surgery and ultimately leave this Yankee rotation with even more question marks.

It’s also necessary to point out the problem the 27-year-old righty has with the long ball. The Wild Card game against the Houston Astros was a typical Tanaka start, where he hit his spots, but allowed a pair of long balls. Many of the home runs he gave up were off his fastball and sinker.

More from Empire Writes Back

According to Brooks Baseball, hitters batted over .300 and had a slugging percentage north of .600 against both pitches. In total, he has allowed 17 home runs on his fastball alone. Tanaka manages to pitch decently well while relying on his splitter and slider, but with that “ticking time bomb” of a UCL, it may be smart to steer away from that. If Tanaka wants to maximize his potential as a front end starter, he will need to find a way to use his fastball and sinker effectively.

For 2016 his role will likely be the Opening Day starter. CC Sabathia is the veteran leader, and Luis Severino is the young and upcoming star, but Tanaka is still meant to be the ace of the staff. The Yankees know how good he can be, and even on his worst days he often finds a way to keep things close enough to win. His role is staff ace. Whether he can fill that role depends on his health.

Next: Luis Severino

Home/New York Yankees