Yankees to push Masahiro Tanaka's next start to Monday

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In a seemingly last hope desperation move, the Yankees announced Masahiro Tanaka’s start has been pushed back to Monday against the Angels. With his struggles all season, an extra day of rest could be beneficial to Tanaka.

Photo Credit: Evan Habeeb/USA Today Sports



Tanaka has failed to build upon his 2016 season, but his two best starts of the 2017 season came on extra rest. Compared to the normal four days in between starts, he got six days of rest before the start against Boston and five before his May 26th gen against Oakland. In those starts, Tanaka combined to pitch 16.1 innings, including a complete game shutout, while allowing just eight hits and one run. He also didn't walk anybody across those two outings and combined for 16 strikeouts, 13 of which came against the Athletics. Tanaka’s really only had three good starts this season and has the second-worst qualified ERA (6.55) in the majors, just behind 40-year-old Bartolo Colon’s 7.78 ERA. Tanaka has allowed five or more runs in four of his last four starts, while allowing three or more homers in three of those games.



Photo Credit: Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

Having Tanaka start against Mike Trout-less Angels team is also far better than against the Orioles, who is battling with the Yanks in the AL East. The Yankees could go with Chad Green on Sunday, or simply pitch Michael Pineda on short-rest. Green was solid in his 2016 opportunities, but has been phenomenal as the long reliever this season ever since Aroldis Chapman went down with an injury. He recently pitched this past Tuesday against the Red Sox, giving the Yankees a much needed 3.1 innings, while not allowing any baserunners and striking out five. Green on the year has registered 16.1 innings, allowing just three runs (1.62 ERA). He also has pitched to a 0.60 WHIP with 20 strikeouts.
This move is a win-win for the Yankees as they give Tanaka an extra day of rest, while giving Chad Green a start in which he has earned. If Tanaka disappoints and Green thrives, he could potentially earn a rotation spot for the rest of the season or down the road.

Article by: Spencer Schultz
Follow me on Twitter @spenceschultz63
Follow the BBB @BronxBomberBall

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