Masahiro Tanaka to Start ALCS Game 1 for Yankees
By Adam Weinrib
Who better to send to the mound in a hostile road environment than the most unflappable pitcher in your rotation?
After using James Paxton in the ALDS opener at Yankee Stadium against the Twins, it appears Aaron Boone will go with the steadier hand against the Astros this time around in the Championship Series.
Masahiro Tanaka, the man with the 1.54 postseason ERA, will oppose Zack Greinke on Saturday night in Game 1 in front of 50,000 fans who hate his guts.
Tanaka will start Game 1 for #Yankees.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 11, 2019
Not only does Tanaka have plenty of postseason experience, but he thrived in this scenario two years ago when the Yankees grabbed a surprise ALCS berth to battle these very 'Stros. In two starts that series, Tanaka went 1-1 with a 1.38 ERA in 13 innings.
He's also coming in hot, recording a remarkable whiff rate against the hacking Twins in a Game 2 masterpiece.
Masahiro Tanaka generated 16 swing and misses in his ALDS start against Minnesota (19.3% of his 83 pitches). pic.twitter.com/sw9HqTpH5w
— Max Wildstein (@MaxWildstein) October 11, 2019
Further roster changes for the Yankees are pending, but this change at the top of the rotation is likely the right one. It sets up James Paxton for Game 2, with Luis Severino on his home turf opposing Gerrit Cole in Game 3.
Game on.