New York Yankees: 3 Pitchers who have to step up with Aroldis Chapman injured

Masahiro Tanaka

Coming into the season, seeing Tanaka’s name on a list of players that need to step up would be shocking. Since joining the Yankees, Tanaka has been a very good pitcher. However, he has struggled this season. There have been a few good outings, but there have been more bad ones.

This season, Tanaka has an ERA over five but has been the beneficiary of having some great run support this season. As the ace of the staff, Tanaka needs to start pitching like it with Chapman landing on the disabled list.

Consistency appears to be an issue for Tanaka. He has had two starts this season in which he allowed seven or more runs. However, he has also had two starts of allowing one or fewer runs. The Yankees would likely be pretty happy with something in between, as they can’t afford to have their ace burning out their bullpen.

Tanaka is usually able to reach at least the sixth inning in most of his starts. Shockingly, he has pitched three or fewer innings in two of his starts already this season. With Chapman out, Tanaka needs to find his form. Even though the Yankees are winning with him struggling, that will catch up to them eventually.