Last night was exactly what should happen when the Yankees play the Royals, Hopefully that carries over into today’s game. To set things up, the team has the right pitcher on the mound.
Masahiro Tanaka earned the Opening Day start in Luis Severino’s absence, and he’s done everything asked of him. The right-hander boasts a 3.22 ERA and 3.02 FIP in the first month. Crucially, he’s giving up fewer home runs than ever before - his 0.81 HR/9 would be a career best if it holds. Tanaka’s problem has always been the long ball, and if he’s found a way to keep batters in the park, there’s not much else he can really improve upon.