TAMPA — If life is 6 ½ against, then Masahiro Tanaka is an even-money favorite to be Aaron Boone’s Opening Day pitcher on March 28 at Yankee Stadium against the putrid Orioles.
Following a 6-5 exhibition loss to the Tigers on Friday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field, Boone wasn’t ready to identify Tanaka for the prestigious assignment. Nor was Tanaka willing to address the issue even after admitting he has discussed the topic with manager Aaron Boone.
“I talked with Boonie. I have nothing to say about any of that,’’ Tanaka said after giving up two runs, four hits, allowing a walk and fanning five in 3 ¹/u2083 innings.