KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Masahiro Tanaka looks like he is ready to face the Orioles on Opening Day at Yankee Stadium.
Named to the prestigious start when staff ace Luis Severino’s right rotator cuff became inflamed and forced him to begin the season on the Injured List, Tanaka toyed with the Braves on Monday night at Champion Stadium.
In five innings he allowed a run, two hits and struck out seven in a 7-4 Yankees victory.
“He was filthy,’’ said a scout on hand, who praised Tanaka’s slider and was very impressed with his splitter.
“Overall the movement off the off-speed pitches was good,’’ said Tanaka, whose next outing on Saturday will be a shortened one.