Yankees Game Recap: Tanaka Has Strong Debut
By Jason Evans
The score wasn’t important in the game. What was important in the game is how does Masahiro Tanaka look in this game, his first of the spring with a ticking time bomb of a right elbow. What we got was an excellent and efficient Tanaka, throwing just 19 pitches in two innings and retiring all six Braves hitters en route to a 3-2 victory for the Yankees.
Tanaka had what was more than likely the Opening Day lineup behind him and used his infield to get outs along with striking out two.
More from Yankees News
- Yankees chose worst possible player to ring in New Year on 2023 team calendar
- Yankees make upside play, sign former Rangers top prospect outfielder
- Michael Kay’s Anthony Volpe story will get Yankees fans amped for Opening Day
- No, Yankees should not acquire Trevor Bauer for 2023
- Yankees’ Marwin González replaces Red Sox LF in Japan in logical next step
The Yankees got on the board first, but not until Tanaka had already left the game in the third inning. Didi Gregorius triples into left center off Shelby Miller. Jacoby Ellsbury hit a little ground ball in front of the mound. Gregorius got Miller’s attention by faking like he was coming home and it allowed Ellsbury to reach. Brett Gardner‘s ground out drove in the run.
Scott Baker came in for Tanaka and gave up another run in the fifth to let the Braves. Christian Betancourt doubled and a pinch runner scored on Todd Cunningham‘s single to tie it.
David Carpenter came in against his former team and gave up a run. Pedro Ciriaco and Andrelton Simmons singled and Alberto Callaspo would hit a sac fly.
Tyrell Jenkins came in for the Braves in the eighth and would give up the lead for the Braves. Chase Headley and Stephen Drew singled. Jake Cave would hit a ground rule double to tie it and Nick Noonan‘s sac fly would give the Yankees the lead for good.
The Yankees head to JetBlue Park to take on the Red Sox at 7:05 tomorrow night. Adam Warren will make a very important start for him against Rick Porcello.
More from Yanks Go Yard
- Should Yankees toss short-term extension at Harrison Bader before 2023?
- Yankees chose worst possible player to ring in New Year on 2023 team calendar
- Yankees State of the Farm System Review: Josh Breaux
- Yankees make upside play, sign former Rangers top prospect outfielder
- MLB insider claims favorite emerging in Bryan Reynolds rumors (not Yankees)