Yankees keep division crown aspirations alive against Blue Jays

Following Friday afternoon’s 4-0 win over the Blue Jays, the Yankees still have an outside shot of winning the American League East.

On the back of former No. 1 Yankees starter, Masahiro Tanaka struck out a career-high 15 batters over seven innings. Perhaps more impressing, the 28-year-old potential free agent didn’t allow a single walk — only surrendering three hits along the way.

Tanaka, who pitched on six-days rest (maybe there is something to that extra off day) retired the first 14 batters he faced before allowing an infield single, which actually bounced off his glove.

Following Tanaka’s last start against these same Jays, you would have been crazy to expect such a dominating performance.

Back on Sept. 22, the Jays battered Tanaka for eight runs in 5.2 innings pitched, including three moon shots.

But inconsistency seems to be the cornerstone of his game this season. Even after walking away with the win in convincing fashion, Tanaka is only a game over .500 this season (13-12).

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With his 4.74 ERA and 1.24 WHIP, one would assume opting out of a guaranteed 3-year, $67 million deal would be a curious decision, but with a dearth of good available arms this winter on the market, the 51-28 lifetime starter is still expected to test the free agent waters.

Following the contest, Tanaka didn’t shy away from his acknowledging his rollercoaster season, saying he’d be better in the future — just not saying who he’d be better for. Per The New York Times:

"“It’s pretty obvious that there were a lot of ups and downs this season,” said Tanaka, who can opt out of his contract at the end of this season. “I really want to take this year as sort of a learning process. Hopefully, in the future, when I look back, I can look back at this year as a year with a lot of struggles but I could learn from.”"

Regardless of what transpires after the conclusion of the World Series, should the Yankees take the next two from the Jays, and the Astros sweep the Red Sox, Monday night in the Bronx would be the scene of a game for all the marbles.

Next: Girardi not a fan of wild-card

Well, maybe not all the marbles, but certainly a good amount, as the winner of that contest would avoid the dreaded one-game wild-card — automatically advancing to the ALDS.