現地27日のヤンキース対エンジェルスは、この日の唯一のナイトゲーム。この全米中が注目する一戦に田中将大が先発し、今季の"ベスト"と"ワースト"を更新した。
ベストは11奪三振。ワーストは5四死球だ。オープン戦中は、5試合21イニングを投げて計3四球。シーズンもここまで4試合29.1イニングで計2四球と、ずば抜けた制球力を見せてきた。そんな田中が、今日は4回までに5四死球。コントロールに苦しみながら、7回途中5安打2失点で何とかゲームを作った。
降板時には1-2と敗戦投手になる可能性を残していたものの、そこは「神の子」マー君。直後の7回裏に味方が追いつき、黒星は消滅。8回にはヤンキースがさらに1点を追加して3-2でエンジェルスに勝利した。
田中の制球難にあえいだ末の逆転劇に、日本の報道では多くが「田中乱調」「4勝目ならず」「勝敗つかず」の見出しが躍った。一方で、対照的に現地メディアでは多くが、「田中が圧巻～」「またしても強さを見せた！」「11奪三振！」と称えたタイトルが並んだ。
ジョー・ジラルディ監督は試合後、「これで田中が制球力を失った時ですら、ゲームを作れることが証明できたんじゃないかな」と誇らしげに語っている。（参照：ニューヨーク・タイムズ紙電子版）
これまで田中が評価されてきたのは、まず修正能力の高さ。本塁打を浴びようとも、すぐに切り替えて修正し、その後圧巻の投球を披露したことなどが挙げられる。また、順応性についても同様に高評価。3試合目のカブス戦では、デーゲームへのスライド登板という変更に加え、ニューヨークで前夜降った雪の寒さや冷たい風がフィールドに降りる中、抜群の制球力をみせた。
そして今回は田中の最大の武器でもある、その制球力が失われるという、これまでにない困難な状況下でも、ゲームを作ったことが高評価につながった。
中でも話題を呼んだのは奪三振だ。試合前、エンジェルスは「田中のスプリッターには手を出さない」と宣言していたが、元ヤンキースの名投手で現在は解説を務めるデビッド・コーン氏に「メジャー最高レベルのスプリッター」と言わしめたその伝家の宝刀で、田中は今日も打者を次々と仕留めていった。
これで田中はメジャー初登板から5試合で46奪三振。これは1900年以来では、ハーブ・スコア（50）、スティーブン・ストラスバーグ（48）に次ぐ、メジャー史上3番目の最多奪三振記録という。
現地のファンは、「TanaKKKKKKKKKKKa!!!」と三振を表すKを並べて、田中の奪三振ショーに興奮の声援をツイッターなどのSNSで投稿。ヤンキースの公式フェイスブックにも「田中はヤンキースの申し子」「素晴らしいに尽きる」「この調子だ！」といった声が次々と寄せられている。
なお、この日はイチローがめずらしく左翼で捕球ミスをする場面が見られるも、今季初打点を挙げた。これにも、現地ファンのツイートでは「イチローはレフトが専門ではない」と擁護し、今季初打点を喜ぶ声が多くみられた。
幼い頃から、短所より長所を評価し、褒めて伸ばすスポーツ教育でも知られるアメリカ。田中やイチローといった一流選手でも、悪い面より良い面を称賛し、楽しく盛り上げようとするのは現地メディアやファンも同じ。
「自分への声援は力になる」と先日のホーム初先発で喜んだ田中、ヤンキースで躍動感あふれるプレーを続けるイチロー。今日の反応で明らかなったように、こうした声を受け、さらなる高みへと登って行くのだろう。
スポカルラボ
MLBをはじめ海外スポーツに精通した英日翻訳ライター3人による メディアコンテンツ制作ユニット。スポーツが持つ多用な魅力を独自 の切り口で表現し、人生の選択肢はたったの一つや二つではない、 多様なライフスタイルを促進することをミッションに掲げて活動中。 Facebook→スポカルラボ
【関連記事】
(4月28日J SPORTS「MLBコラム」より転載)
田中将大画像集
New York Yankees v Chicago White Sox(01 of86)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 25: Starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers the ball against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field on May 25, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.The Yankees defeated the White Sox 7-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Chicago White Sox(02 of86)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 25: Starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees is removed from a gamel against the Chicago White Sox by manager Joe Girardi in the 7th inning at U.S. Cellular Field on May 25, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois.The Yankees defeated the White Sox 7-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Chicago White Sox(03 of86)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 25: Starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers the ball against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field on May 25, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Chicago Cubs(04 of86)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 21: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees warms up before the game against the Chicago Cubs on May 21, 2014 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Chicago Cubs(05 of86)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 20: Starter Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on May 20, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Brian Kersey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v New York Mets(06 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 14: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees in action against the New York Mets during their game on May 14, 2014 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v New York Mets(07 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 14: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees salutes the fans as he walks off the field after the game against the New York Mets during interleague play on May 14, 2014 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.The New York Yankees defeated the New York Mets 4-0. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v New York Mets(08 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 14: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees celebrates his single with teamates in the ninth inning against the New York Mets during their game on May 14, 2014 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v New York Mets(09 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 14: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees hits a single in the ninth inning as Anthony Recker #20 of the New York Mets defends during interleague play on May 14, 2014 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v New York Mets(10 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 14: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees celebrates a 4-0 win against the New York Mets with Brian McCann #34 after their game on May 14, 2014 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v New York Mets(11 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 14: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees celebrates as he walks off the field in the eighth inning against the New York Mets during interleague play on May 14, 2014 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v New York Mets(12 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 14: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches against the New York Mets during their game on May 14, 2014 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v New York Mets(13 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 14: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees takes grounds out to first in the fourth inning as Anthony Recker #20 of the New York Mets defends during interleague play on May 14, 2014 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v New York Mets(14 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 14: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the fifth inning against the New York Mets during interleague play on May 14, 2014 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v New York Mets(15 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 14: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees takes his turn at bat in the second inning against the New York Mets during interleague play on May 14, 2014 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Milwaukee Brewers(16 of86)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches during the bottom of the third inning during interleague game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 09, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Milwaukee Brewers(17 of86)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees throws in the bullpen before the inter league game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 09, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Milwaukee Brewers(18 of86)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches during the bottom of the third inning during interleague game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 09, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Milwaukee Brewers(19 of86)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches during the bottom of the third inning during interleague game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 09, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Milwaukee Brewers(20 of86)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches in the bottom of the second inning during interleague game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 09, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Milwaukee Brewers(21 of86)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches in the bottom of the fourth inning during interleague game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 09, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Milwaukee Brewers(22 of86)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees walks to the dugout after pitching in the bottom of the second inning during interleague game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 09, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Milwaukee Brewers(23 of86)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches in the bottom of the fifth inning during interleague game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 09, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Milwaukee Brewers(24 of86)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees gets ready to step to the plate during the top of the third inning during interleague game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 09, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Milwaukee Brewers(25 of86)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees walks to the dugout before the interleague game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 09, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Milwaukee Brewers(26 of86)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees walks to the dugout after pitching in the first inning during interleague game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 09, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Milwaukee Brewers(27 of86)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches during the top of the first inning during interleague game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on May 09, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Rays v New York Yankees(28 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 03: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays on May 3, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Rays v New York Yankees(29 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 03: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays on May 3, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Rays v New York Yankees(30 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 03: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees reacts in the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays on May 3, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Rays v New York Yankees(31 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 03: Brian McCann #34 of the New York Yankees talks with Masahiro Tanaka #19 in the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays on May 3, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox(32 of86)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 22: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning during the game at Fenway Park on April 22, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox(33 of86)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 22: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning during the game at Fenway Park on April 22, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox(34 of86)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 22: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning during the game at Fenway Park on April 22, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox(35 of86)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 22: Yangervis Solarte #26 of the New York Yankees throws to first base over his teammate Masahiro Tanaka #19 against the Boston Red Sox during the game at Fenway Park on April 22, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox(36 of86)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 22: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the game at Fenway Park on April 22, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox(37 of86)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 22: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning during the game at Fenway Park on April 22, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Boston Red Sox(38 of86)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 22: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning during the game at Fenway Park on April 22, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Tampa Bay Rays(39 of86)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - APRIL 17: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees walks in from a short workout before the start of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays on April 17, 2014 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Chicago Cubs v New York Yankees - Game Two(40 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 16: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees watches from the dugout during game two of a doubleheader on April 16, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City.The New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs are wearing the #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day.The New York Yankees defeated the Chicago Cubs 2-0. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Chicago Cubs v New York Yankees - Game One(41 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 16: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees walks off the field in the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs during game one of a doubleheader on April 16, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Chicago Cubs v New York Yankees - Game One(42 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 16: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the seventh inning against the Chicago Cubs during game one of a doubleheader on April 16, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Chicago Cubs v New York Yankees - Game One(43 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 16: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees sends the ball back to first base to try and pick off Junior Lake of the Chicago Cubs in the second inning during game one of a doubleheader on April 16, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Chicago Cubs v New York Yankees - Game One(44 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 16: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees walks off the field after the second inning against the Chicago Cubs during game one of a doubleheader on April 16, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Chicago Cubs v New York Yankees - Game One(45 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 16: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the second inning against the Chicago Cubs during game one of a doubleheader on April 16, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Chicago Cubs v New York Yankees - Game One(46 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 16: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs during game one of a doubleheader on April 16, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees(47 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 12: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees looks on from the dugout during the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on April 12, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(48 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: Fans hold a banner in reference to Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees during the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on April 9, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(49 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees throws the first pitch of the game against Nick Markakis #21 of the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on April 9, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(50 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: The scoreboard is seen after Masahiro Tanaka of the New York Yankees is introduced as the starting pitcher against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on April 9, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(51 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on April 9, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(52 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees walks to the dugout after the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on April 9, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(53 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on April 9, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(54 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees stands on the mound after surrendering a second inning three run home run against Jonathan Schoop #6 of the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on April 9, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(55 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 09: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees stands on the mound after surrendering a second inning three run home run against Jonathan Schoop #6 of the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on April 9, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(56 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 08: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees looks on from the dugout prior to the start of a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on April 8, 2014 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(57 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 07: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees walks on the field during batting practice before the game against the Baltimore Orioles on April 7, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Houston Astros(58 of86)
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 01: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees during battting practice before a game against the Houston Astros on opening day at Minute Maid Park on April 1, 2014 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Houston Astros(59 of86)
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 01: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees is introduced before a game against the Houston Astros on opening day at Minute Maid Park on April 1, 2014 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Houston Astros(60 of86)
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 02: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees makes his way from the bullpen after a pitching session before a game against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on April 2, 2014 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(61 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the first inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(62 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers the first pitch of his MLB career in the first inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(63 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers the first pitch of his MLB career in the first inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(64 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the second inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(65 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the first inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(66 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees gets the ball from the infield before delivering his first pitch in the first inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(67 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees rubs up a baseball in the first inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(68 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees covers first base to record the putout on a groundout in the first inning during MLB game action by Colby Rasmus #28 of the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(69 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the second inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(70 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees comes off the mound after getting the last out of the fifth inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(71 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the second inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(72 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the seventh inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(73 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees warms up in the outfield before the start of MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(74 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees fields a grounder and throws out the baserunner in the fourth inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(75 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees warms up in the outfield before the start of MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(76 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the first inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(77 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the first inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(78 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees walks from the bullpen to the dugout with pitching coach Larry Rothschild #58 before the start of MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(79 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees stretches in the outfield before the start of MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(80 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees warms up in the bullpen before the start of MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(81 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(82 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees warms up doing long toss in the outfield before the start of MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(83 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees gets the ball from Brian McCann #34 in the third inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees(84 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 07: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees walks on the field during batting practice before the game against the Baltimore Orioles on April 7, 2014 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Toronto Blue Jays(85 of86)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 4: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the first inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 4, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
New York Yankees v New York Mets(86 of86)
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 14: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees pitches against the New York Mets during their game on May 14, 2014 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)