3連敗中のヤンキースが、現地3日のレイズ戦で9対3の勝利で地区首位を奪回。先発した田中将大が7回3失点で今季4勝目を挙げた。
これで2012年8月19日の敗戦を最後に、続く田中のシーズン連勝記録は「32」に。アメリカに渡ってからも続く無敗記録は、ついに現地報道でもしつこいほど繰り返されるようになった。
世界最高レベルを誇るメジャーリーグ。格上を自負することからも、他国との合算成績となる「日米通算～」の表記が使われることは稀だ。イチローの日米通算4000安打といった余程の数字でもない限り、大方は「日本は日本、米国は米国」とされるのが常だ。にもかかわらず、田中の活躍を報じる現地メディアには、今や日本時代からの不敗神話を紹介するフレーズが多く踊る。
ニューヨーク・タイムズ紙は、先発としては40登板の"負けていない"記録に加えて、昨季の日本シリーズの第6戦では惜敗があった、というプレーオフでの例外までを詳しく報じている。この他、全国紙のUSA Today、スポーツ専門サイトESPNでも、"日米通算"で負けていない事実をもれなく伝えている（参照：ニューヨーク・タイムズ紙電子版、USA Today紙電子版、ESPN電子版）。
前夜のヤンキース対レイズ戦は、延長14回5時間49分に及ぶ熱戦だった。総力戦で敗れたヤンキースはいうまでもなく、勝利したレイズもボストンでレッドソックスとダブルヘッダーを戦った翌日のまさかの消耗戦だった。その疲労もあってか、レイズのジョー・マドン監督は球審に苛立ちもあらわに大声で異議を唱える場面が目立った。
初回、先頭ベン・ゾブリストへの5球目だ。実況も「あれはボールだね」と認めるストライクゾーンを外れた球だった。マドン監督が大声で抗議するも判定は変わらず。その裏も、ストライク判定がおかしいとばかりにベンチから監督が叫ぶ。言い返す球審。5回に再び監督が口角沫を飛ばすと、球審は「NO MORE!（いい加減にしろ）」と最後通告とばかりに、監督を指差した。
盛り上がる球場。そしてヤンキース、ブライアン・マッキャンの打席でのことだった。空振りと思しきスウィングにファウルの判定を下した球審に、激昂した監督がベンチから飛び出し、両者が至近距離で口論を始めた。誰もがマドン監督の退場を予想したが...それは起きなかった。
疲労と苛立ちが隠せないマドン監督を受け入れるかのように、球審は厳しく諌めつつも、明らかに許容量を見せていた。また、激しい抗議もかなわずベンチに引き下がった直後、マドン監督は笑みをこぼしていた。何を話したかはわからない。だが試合は盛り上がり、どこか温かな印象が残った。
これらを始めとする際どい判定は、この日はすべて田中やヤンキースに味方した。初回は先頭打者フォアボールの難を逃れたし、7回はヤ軍ジャコビー・エルズバリーが間一髪で牽制アウトを逃れた。日本のファンはツイッター上で「ここにも神の子パワーが！」と、度重なるラッキーな判定に沸いた。
レイズファンにとっては、どれも激怒して不思議のない場面だが「#rays」のハッシュタグのツイートには「うーん、また酷いジャッジだ」「マドン、見逃したの？」「エルズベリーはラッキーだったね。まあ行こうじゃないか、レイズ！」と穏やかな批判がいくつか流れただけだった。
宿敵レッドソックス戦では、敵地フェンウェイパークで異例ともいえる拍手喝さいを受けた田中。負けない田中の力投は、味方を鼓舞するにとどまらず、どうも敵チームの批判を穏やかにしてしまうようだ。珍しくも「日米通算～」が躍るようになった現地報道に「神の子」のフレーズが使われる日が来るかもしれない...。
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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】
(5月4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)