Yankees Name Masahiro Tanaka Opening Day Starter
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The New York Yankees have named Masahiro Tanaka their Opening Day starter with just days to spare.
Manager Joe Girardi made the announcement while doing an interview with YES Network during the Yankees-Cardinals spring training game Thursday.
"He felt good today," Girardi said. "He's confident he's ready to go."
The Yankees tweeted: "Set your clocks, it's official. #TanakaTime begins April 4."
Tanaka will be followed by Michael Pineda, Nathan Eovaldi and Luis Severino.
"Very happy to be given the position," Tanaka said through an interpreter.
The team has not made a decision yet if the fifth-starter spot will go to CC Sabathia or Ivan Nova.
"There's a lot to think about," Girardi said. "When you have tough decisions, it doesn't always mean it's permanent. You have to prove yourself."
Girardi said the choice will be made in the next couple days. The fifth starter will make his season debut a week from Saturday at Detroit.
"Just have to wait and see," Sabathia said. "It's up to them. I'm ready to go. Just a waiting game."
Sabathia said he had no idea why there was a delay in the decision. "It's part of the game," he said.
The Yankees waited to name Tanaka Opening Day starter due to his inconsistent spring. He had a 7.36 ERA in four games heading into Tuesday's start against the Phillies, where he allowed only one run over four innings.
Tanaka will face reigning American League Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel as the Yanks face the Houston Astros on Monday.
Tanaka went 12-7 last season with a 3.51 ERA.
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