Masahiro Tanaka

New York Yankees: The key to beating the Houston Astros in the ALCS

by
New York Yankees, James Paxton

Taking on the Houston Astros will be a far more difficult challenge for the New York Yankees in the ALCS. They managed to sweep the Minnesota Twins with ease in just three games, as their starting pitching stepped up to the plate and run production was as efficient as ever.

The New York Yankees need to carry their efforts in the ALCS:

The Yankees earned 23 runs over the three-game span and only allowed seven, which attest to their dominance in all facets of the game.

However, the Astros will be more difficult, especially at home. The three-person rotation of Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, and Zack Greinke are incredibly intimidating. Their three starters are far better than the Yankees’ James Paxton, Masahiro Tanaka, and Luis Severino.

The ultimate key for the Yankees in the ALCS is having their starters go more than four innings. Former Bronx Bomber, Alex Rodriguez, broke down why this is so important and how the starting pitching will be the difference between winning and losing for the Yankees.

“No, absolutely not,” A-Rod said. “What works in this long season, which is a marathon, and what works in seven games is another. If the Yankees average four innings a starter again, they will go home. They need 5, 5 1/3 and 6 would be ideal because you 27 outs sometimes for six or seven games.”

The Yankees will start the series on Saturday night in Houston, and they will face cranky, who got torn apart in game three of the ALDS against the Tampa Bay rays. Rodriguez called this game a goliath first goliath series. The similarities between two teams not only offers one of the more exciting showdowns in the postseason, but either side has the forces to win the World Series. It could ultimately come down to who peaks at the right time and the momentum they have going into the second round of the playoffs.

“They can both play the high-low game,” he said. “They can hit home runs or contact or situational hitting. They’re both strong analytical. They have defense. They’re both athletic. They’re both smart and they’re all students of the game.

New York Yankees receive great injury news – Houston Astros up next

by
New York Yankees, Aroldis Chapman

With the Houston Astros overcoming a tedious Tampa Bay Rays team, the New York Yankees now have their opponent for the ALCS, and it will be a difficult matchup. Excellent pitching, dangerous hitters, and a well-coached Astros team present the biggest challenge for the Bombers, but we cannot forget about the absolute domination of the Minnesota Twins in all facets of the game in the ALDS.

After the three-game sweep of the Twins, the Yankees have a ton of momentum heading into the next round, but a few injuries were cause for concern. Both closer Aroldis Chapman and relief option Zack Britton suffered injuries on Monday — the former hit his pitching hand on a champagne bottle, and Britton twisted his ankle slightly covering first base.

Luckily, both are reportedly fine and will continue through the playoffs without any limitations.

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone, stated:

“Chapman is fine. Brit, he came in today to get some work done. He said he’s good to go. If he had to pitch today, he would be good to go,’’ Boone stated. “Felt even better today. It doesn’t seem like something he’s overly concerned about. He’ll throw [Thursday]. Expect [Britton] to be a full go with no issues.’’

Boone went with a three-person rotation in James Paxton, Masahiro Tanaka, and Luis Severino during the ALCS, but had 12 total pitchers on the bench. He could look to add one and drop a utility player or infielder like Luke Voit; however, I don’t imagine that’s a sensible decision.

Adding veteran pitcher, CC Sabathia is a possibility, though, as he’s ready to take the mound and is looking to contribute during the playoffs.

Another difficult choice is to roll out the same rotation against the Astros as they did against the Twins. Allowing just seven total runs over three games would indicate that Boone might stick to his original game plan.

“Haven’t decided that yet,” he said. “May or may not factor who we’re playing. But those will be the conversations that we have, one of the conversations we have over the next couple days. I’m considering everything right now.’’

Aside from the pitchers, outfielder Aaron Hicks is also available to return and provide value. He can play multiple positions in the outfield and has a solid bat when consistent. Hicks hasn’t played since August 3, which undoubtedly hurts his chances given the lack of live-reps.

New York Yankees: CC Sabathia will likely make a glorious return in the postseason

by
New York Yankees, CC Sabathia

With the New York Yankees sweeping the Minnesota Twins in the ALDS on Monday night, they will march forward into a more competitive stage of the postseason. The most appealing part of their victory was the quality of the starting pitching and the consistency they provided throughout the series.

To start things off in game one, James Paxton pitched an impressive 4.2 innings, allowing three runs over five hits. Some might not consider that to be impressive, it was his first postseason start, and the nerves were likely affecting him. We should expect him to elevate his game in the future.

In game two of the division series, the Yankees tossed out Masahiro Tanaka, who pitched five innings and allowed just one run. He also racked up seven strikeouts in a dominant night for the Yankees, who walked away with 8-2 win. On Monday, they threw out Luis Severino after only starting several games in the regular season due to a significant injury suffered in the preseason. He pitched four innings and allowed zero runs. At one point, he got himself out of a bases-loaded jam with no outs.

The New York Yankees put to a rest a severe issue:

The fact of the matter is, the Yankees pitching looks good, and that was a significant question mark for them heading into the postseason. However, they might receive more support in the bullpen with CC Sabathia working his way back.

The left-hander will retire after this season and has been battling knee and shoulder injuries throughout the year, but his availability might open up for the ALCS. Sabathia has never been a relief option, but this could be his moment to shine and provide support.

“I’ll try to throw a bullpen on Wednesday and go from there,” Sabathia said Monday.

Sabathia stated that he feels terrific and would like to compete in the playoffs for what seems to be a team in rhythm.

“It’s up to them,” Sabathia said. “We’ll wait to see how I bounce back after I throw the bullpen and go from there. “

 

 

New York Yankees: Why game 3 against the Twins is the most important

by
New York Yankees, Luis Severino

The New York Yankees enter Monday with a 2-0 lead on the series against the Minnesota Twins, a huge accomplishment and a testament to their quality in the run production department. However, not mentioning their starting pitching performances would be ludicrous, as James Paxton and Masahiro Tanaka allowed a combined four runs over 9.2 innings.

Against a home run record-setting team in the Twins, the Yankees have held them in check, for the most part, allowing a few solo shots here and there but disabling them from getting consistent men on base.

Game three of the series for the Yankees will be the most important for a particular reason — that reason being Luis Severino and if he can be a trustworthy option moving forward in the playoffs.

Severino has allowed two earned runs over 12 innings pitched in just three outings this season, which is why manager Aaron Boone has held him back from unleashing his true self. Being cautious with the ace coming off a severe injury is necessary, and his performance in the ALDS will be very telling of his capabilities this postseason.

How can Luis Severino succeed for the New York Yankees?

The postseason is no time for experimenting with pitches, which is why Severino will stick to his strengths. Utilizing his killer slider and changeup will be priorities, but his fastball is his primary pitch. He shouldn’t be afraid to throw his more effective pitchers and taking chances aren’t frowned upon, but the timing and situation have to be right.

So far this season, Severino has seen increases in his changeup percentages over his slider, despite the small sample size. In 2018, he threw his slider 35.9% of the time and changeup just 13.6%. In only three starts, his changeup has jumped to 16%, and slider dropped to 26%. The allocation of other percentages comes in the form of his fastball, which has jumped from 50.5 to 56.6%.

This sample size could indicate an increase in his fastball usage against the Twins. Severino has fantastic accuracy, but using his offspeed pitches should undoubtedly be a part of his gameplan, as Tanaka had great success keeping the Minnesota batters guessing.

Ultimately, if Luis can put up a solid stat-line in game three, the Yankees can feel confident moving forward into the latter portion of the postseason.

New York Yankees: Gregorius, Tanaka, Knocks the Twins Down in Game 2 of the ALDS

by
New York Yankees shortstop, Didi Gregorius.

Another outstanding performance from the New York Yankees led to a 8-2 victory against the Minnesota Twins in game 2 of the ALDS.

Masahiro Tanaka pitched a marvelous gem, producing 5 strong innings and allowing 3 hits, 1 run and struck out 7 batters on 83 pitches. The bullpen, which consisted of Adam Ottavino, Jonathan Loaisiga, Tommy Kahnle and Tyler Lyons pitched 4 solid innings and allowed a combined 3 hits, 1 run and struck out 7 batters on 64 pitches

Just as the Bronx Bomber did in game 1 of the ALDS, they exploded in game 2 with a feeding frenzy. Edwin Encarnacion, who doesn’t believe in the definition of rusty, drove in an RBI single in the bottom of the 1st, granting the Yanks with a 1-0 lead.

The bottom of the 3rd led to a massive 7-run rally that ultimately lifted the Yanks to a huge victory. Giancarlo Stanton started the rally with a bases loaded sac fly to deep center field. Gleyber Torres immediately after ripped an RBI single to left field.

Didi Gregorius hammered the final nail in the coffin with a grand slam to deep right field, traveling 369 feet with an exit velocity of 102.1 MPH. Brett Gardner added the icing on the cake with an RBI single to right field, granting the Yanks with a 8-0 lead.

The Twins recorded their first run of the game in the top of the 4th. On a 3-1 count with 1 out, Mitch Garver smoked a ground ball against the shift into right field. Luis Arraez knocked in the last run for the Twins offense in the top of the 9th, lifting an RBI double to right-center field.

Loaisiga sealed the deal in the top of the 9th and the rest is in the history books. The offense was electric just as it was last night, the defense was fantastic and the pitching was tough as nails. The Yanks are now one more game closer to championship 28. Both organizations will be picking the series back up in Minneapolis on Monday night.

 

New York Yankees take Game 2 of ALDS fueled by Tanaka, Gregorius

by
New York Yankees, Didi Gregorius

The New York Yankees took game two of the American League Divison Series against the Minnesota Twins to give them a confident 2-0 lead in the series.

Masahiro Tanaka continued his strong postseason career where he went five full frames allowing one run on three hits while fanning seven. Randy Dobnak started his first postseason game in which it showed – allowing four runs on six hits through only two innings pitched.

The Yankees led the whole game where they struck first from Edwin Encarnacion’s single that knocked in DJ LeMahieu and Aaron Judge.

In the bottom of the third, Giancarlo Stanton knocked in a run via the sacrifice fly. Gleyber Torres joined in on the fun with a single knocking in another run.

This set the stage for Didi Gregorius.

Struggling in the last month of the season, Gregorius blasted a grand slam down the right-field line that sent Yankee Stadium into a frenzy.

The fun during the third inning wasn’t over, however. Brett Gardner knocked in the Yankees’ final run with a single to right field.

The Twins scored their two runs from a Mitch Garver single in the top of the fourth and a Luis Arráez doubled in the top of the ninth.

Minnesota’s staff issued eight walks that accounted for several of the Yankees’ runs. Yankee pitchers only allowed one walk from Tanaka.

Both teams will have a day off Sunday with game three on Monday in Minnesota. The Yankees will be sending Luis Severino to the mound and the Twins will have Jake Odorizzi on the hill for them.

New York Yankees: Two injured players lead the way to victory

by
New York Yankees, Edwin Encarnacion

The New York Yankees started game one of the postseason against the Minnesota Twins with a bang. Tallying ten runs, the Bombers continued to show their run support and overall efficiency at the plate, but it was their formerly injured players that stepped up and produced.

Both Edwin Encarnacion and Giancarlo Stanton provided fantastic days to help give the Yankees a 1-0 lead in the series. The first baseman went 2-for-5 with two doubles, one run, and one RBI, and the left fielder for the Yankees earned three walks on the day.

Efficiency can present itself in numerous different ways, but getting on base is the ultimate goal, and Stanton did his job amidst negative criticism for his lack of “clutchness.”

Aside from the top portion of the order, the bottom three hitters all had porous days. Inconsistencies in the lineup are expected, but the bottom of the order, made up of Gio Urshela, Didi Gregorius, and Gary Sanchez, went 0-for-9 on Friday night. They must elevate their game and produce to gain positive momentum and help them succeed moving forward.

How did the New York Yankees pitching perform?

Starter James Paxton went 4.2 innings, allowing three runs on five hits. The bullpen was stellar after Paxton was relieved, giving up just two hits over the final 5.8 innings. Interestingly, manager Aaron Boone utilizes starter J.A. Happ as a relief option, which seemed to work considering his two strikeout inning to set up Aroldis Chapman for the save.

The Yankees face off against the Twins in game two of the series at 5 PM on Saturday. Starter Masahiro Tanaka will take the mound in an attempt to secure a confident league. This will be an essential game for the Bombers to solidify their advantage and give Luis Severino a comfortable lead heading into just his fourth start of the season.

New York Yankees: Is the postseason rotation too thin?

by
New York Yankees, Masahiro Tanaka

The New York Yankees announced their postseason rotation Thursday per Aaron Boone in a press conference.

Game one will be given to James Paxton, followed by Masahiro Tanaka, and then Luis Severino will be taking the mound for game three. If needed, a game four will most likely be a bullpen game featuring an opener.

There have been many questions surrounding the Yankees’ rotation with concerns of: is this enough?

The Yankee postseason rotation that they have announced is exactly what it should be. Paxton, Tanaka, and Severino are all guys that have shown they can “clutch up” in the moment.

There’s a concern on Paxton because he hasn’t thrown a single pitch in an MLB postseason, primarily because he wasn’t on a team that was playoff contenders until he joined the Yankees. Even though he doesn’t have that experience, Paxton has shown he has the stuff to take down any lineup.

“I’m excited,” said Paxton. “It’s gonna be awesome, I’m really honored to get this opportunity, to pitch game on. It’s gonna be great.”

Paxton also gives his teammates confidence. “He’s the best left-handed pitcher in the game, in my opinion,” said Aaron Judge. “He’s an animal out there. That’s what he’s shown the past couple starts… that’s what’s going to help us going into the playoffs.”

Tanaka is known for his dominant performances in October where he’s credited to a 1.50 ERA in his four career playoff series. He seems to flip a switch come playoff time.

Boone has confidence in his go-to guy Tanaka. “If he’s throwing the ball the way he’s capable of and on top of his game, we feel like he’s a good matchup anywhere.”

The bullpen is also highly capable of giving the New York Yankees a strong game. The opener strategy had been predominately effective during the regular season and can really keep opposing lineups on their heels.

Did the New York Yankees make a big mistake in game 1 against the Twins?

by
New York Yankees, James Paxton

The New York Yankees are taking a questionable approach to the start of the ALDS against the Minnesota Twins. Manager Aaron Boone elected to go with starting pitcher James Paxton in game one, which is a very interesting move considering the success Masahiro Tanaka has had in the past.

Over five postseason starts, Tanaka has only allowed five earned runs. He has a combined ERA of 1.50. However, he has struggled this season with a 4.45 ERA over 32 games, the most in his entire career. His usage this season could be a reason Boone elected to go with Paxton, who has been very impressive as of late.

While Paxton has a 3.82 ERA on the season, he’s the only Yankee with an ERA under 4.00, and his dominance as of late justifies his starting in game one.

My question is:

Did New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone make a mistake with this move, and would Tanaka be the better option to start the postseason?

Luis Severino is also available and has pitched well in his first several appearances. Keeping him rested for later games in the series is a better move considering his minimal live-action work during the regular season and marginal success over the past month.

Aside from the starting pitching woes, the bullpen is another concern for the Yankees. I imagine the Bombers will lean on their relievers and hope they can carry them through the playoffs with a slim lead. Asking for 4-to-6 innings from their relief options will be necessary if the Yankees starters aren’t able to go more than five innings.

Aroldis Chapman, Zack Britton, Adam Ottavino, and Tommy Kahnle will all be featured on the postseason roster, and they will be expected to perform despite the hopefully run support the Yankees’ sluggers can offer.

Why Paxton is the right choice:

Over the last 28-days, Paxton is pitching lights out baseball. He has a 1.05 ERA with just three runs over four starts. He’s averaging about 6.25 innings per game, which would be a significant boost for the Yankees, chiefly if they can secure game one of the series.

New York Yankees: Big Maple announced as Game 1 starter for ALDS

by
New York Yankees, James Paxton

The New York Yankees will begin their 2019 postseason run on Friday against the mighty Minnesota Twins in the American League Division Series. James Paxton will take the mound for the Yankees for game one at Yankee Stadium.

“I expect him to go pitch really well,” said manager Aaron Boone. “(He’ll) have a ton of confidence in his ability to do that. He’s got, obviously, all the weapons and all the equipment to go out there and be great.”

Paxton has been lights-out in his last ten starts of which he has won. He posted a strong 15-6 record during the regular season and was credited to a 3.82 ERA. In 29 games started and 150.2 innings pitched, the “Big Maple” fanned 186 players respectively.

The left-hander has also posted strong numbers pitching in pinstripes at home. Paxton was credited to a 3.35 ERA at home compared to a 4.33 ERA on the road.

“He’s really done a good job in kind of settling into being here in New York, being a Yankee,” said Boone. “I have no reservations about him not being able to not flourish in the environment.”

Masahiro Tanaka will take game two in the Bronx and Luis Severino will pitch the third game of the series in Minnesota.

CC Sabathia was left off the ALDS roster because he’s still dealing with shoulder troubles, per Aaron Boone. Sabathia, who is planning on retiring following this season, received a cortisone shot last week in his shoulder and did not respond well which causes his removal from the roster.