New York Yankees vs. Houston Astros: 5 Players To Watch

New York Yankees vs. Houston Astros: 5 Players To Watch For Opening Day

Oct 6, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Houston Astros pinch runner Jonathan Villar (2) steals second base against New York Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius (18) in the American League Wild Card playoff baseball game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

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New York Yankees vs. Houston Astros: 5 Players To Watch For Opening Day

Mar 29, 2016; Clearwater, FL, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka (19) pitches in the first inning of the spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Masahiro Tanaka

The Yankees would not commit to an Opening Day starter until the very last minute, and Joe Girardi decided that it would be Tanaka taking the mound for the Yankees. This will be the second career Opening Day start for Tanaka, who also pitched on Opening Day last season against the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Yankees are hoping that the results are better this time around, as Tanaka was hit hard by the Blue Jays last season, only making it through four innings, as the Yankees lost 6-1. Will he be able to handle the Astros this afternoon?

That is a fair question, as Tanaka has struggled against the Astros in his career. He has one career regular season start against them, and it did not go well; he was hit hard as he gave up six runs in five innings. He also made it through only five innings in last season’s Wild Card game, which the Yankees lost 3-0.

Can he get things on track against the Astros today on Opening Day? It will be one of the things to keep an eye on this afternoon.

Next: Astros Starting Pitcher

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