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Yankee Editorial: Masahiro Tanaka Looking Sharper by the Start

By Matt Curran

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Last year Masahiro Tanaka took the baseball world by storm. He was an All-Star, an AL Rokkie of the Year candidate, and an AL Cy Young candidate. Then Tanaka had a slight tear in his elbow, and the dream season came to a screeching halt. Instead of Tommy John surgery Tanaka rehab the elbow, and said he was good to go.

Tanaka first two starts of the season made everyone wonder why he just did not get Tommy John surgery last year. Tanaka talked about his struggles like a grizzled old veteran, knowing it is  along season.

"It’s not necessarily hard on me, but you always have the ups and downs when you go through a season. What matters the most is how you go about your business when things are not going your way. Right now might not be the best time for me, but I’m trying to make that better."

On Saturday night at Tropicana Field, Masahiro Tanaka had his best start of the season. He went seven strong innings giving up only two hits striking out eight and walking zero. Tanaka was dominant in every sense of the word. He hit 94 mph on the radar gun at one point, which was a season high for the righty.

After six innings the Yankees offense exploded in the top of the seventh inning. Tanaka could have been done for the night after that long half inning, but came out, and had another shutdown inning.

I believe the reason for the slow start is how they treated him in spring training. They were extremely careful with Tanaka in the spring, and never got a full work load. As the season continues, I expect Tanaka to get stronger, and feel more confident as the season progress. Tanaka’s next start will be this week, and either the Tigers or Mets should provide a good challenge for him.

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