Masahiro Tanaka's 2-Hit Shutout Against the Rays Could Not Have Come at a Better Time

Entering Monday's game, the Yankees were in dire need of some pitching help. The rotation had been spotty at best throughout the first half of June, and the same could be said for many members of the bullpen.

Then Masahiro Tanaka took the mound Monday night.

The veteran starter tossed a two-hit shutout against the Tampa Bay Rays, stepping up for the Yankees when they needed him most.

Tanaka was on fire on the hill, striking out 10 batters, surrendering 2 hits and walking just 1 batter. His splitter was looking exceptional as he plowed through Rays hitters one-by-one.

Apart from firing up the team, the masterful start accomplished a multitude of things. Chief among them was giving the bullpen a much-needed rest. Relievers had tossed six innings over the last two games, and with a June ERA of 5.70, so getting as much rest as possible was huge for the team going forward.

The start also gave the Yankees a leg up on the Rays in the division standings. New York now holds a 1.5-game lead over the Rays in the AL East.

The Yankees were mired in a a stretch of mediocre baseball heading into this series against the Rays. A strong showing in the first game was absolutely imperative not only for the series, but for the season.

Tanaka's gem may have set the Yankees back on track for their march towards the division crown.