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New York Yankees vs Tampa Bay Rays: April 2nd-April 5th Series Recap

By Kenneth Teape

Apr 5, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier (39) reacts after a single as New York Yankees first baseman Greg Bird (33) looks on during the second inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier (39) reacts after a single as New York Yankees first baseman Greg Bird (33) looks on during the second inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Yankees vs Tampa Bay Rays: April 2nd-April 5th Series Recap
Apr 4, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia (52) throws a pitch during the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

C.C. Reinvention Continues

The Yankees starting rotation was nothing to write home about. It is expected to be the team’s Achilles heel throughout the season and we saw why against the Rays. Both Masahiro Tanaka and Michael Pineda struggled as they didn’t have it. C.C. Sabathia didn’t have his best stuff either, but he was able to work through it.

Sabathia reinvented himself last season. He went from a hard-throwing power lefty to more of a finesse pitcher. He became more precise with his pitch location as he no longer possesses the power arm to blow opponents away. He found success doing it last season and found success against the Rays as well.

Sabathia was able to give the Yankees only five innings, needing 85 pitchers to do so. But, he was able to keep the Rays off balance throughout the game. He allowed only three hits and two walks to go with two strikeouts in five shutout innings.

Sabathia may not give the Yankees much length anymore, but if he can pitch as effectively as he did against the Rays they will take it.

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