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Masahiro Tanaka surrendered his first home run on Thursday in his first exhibition start for the New York Yankees, a rain-delayed matchup with the Philadelphia Phillies.
The 25-year-old Japanese right-hander struck out one batter without allowing a walk, surrendering one run on two hits and inducing seven groundouts.
In two pre-season training appearances for the Major League Baseball Yankees after signing a seven-year deal worth $155 million in January, Tanaka has given up one run on four hits while striking out four over five innings.
Tanaka ended the first inning in order by striking out Chase Utley, allowed a Marlon Byrd double in the second but did not give up a run and retired the first two batters he saw in the third inning.
Freddy Garcia followed with a homer to right field, tying the game at 1-1, but Kevin Frandsen grounded out to end the inning and Tanaka's time on the mound.
In all, Tanaka threw 25 of his 41 pitches for strikes.
The Yankees paid $20 million to Japan's Rakuten Eagles after inking the deal. Tanaka went 24-0 for the Japan Series champions last year.
© (c) 2014 AFP
8 Comments
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toshiko
@I'mA Monkey: Never heard Manrui home-run in any sport news in USA. Grand Slam they mention. on MLB news and game time, Tanaka may bring Yankees to AL East champ, then AL Central and West champ teams have to go toAL champ to go on WS in Fall. Exciting year for MLB fans. Tanaka Time, sport anchors joke,
I'm A Monkey
@toshiko
This article is about M. Tanaka.
And try to think and visualize words spelled out in English, not in katakana. Mannrui home-run is referred to as a grand "slam".
toshiko
Only one run Angels and Cub game, Angels had a grand slum. today, Dodters v Angels, Dodger had grand slum at Anaheim, Not as hot as Florida so pitchers had a cup of water poured on their neck back between innings. Even so, Angels Ace CJ Wilson gave up the grand slum.
slumdog
ratbert,
That is what I was thinking, too. The Yankees must feel they are going to get a large return on their investment or they would not have invested it in Tanaka. Whether it turns out well or not, it is too early to say.
The Original Wing
Freddy Garcia is a pitcher for Atlanta. (Atlanta did not play in this game.) I think you were going for Freddy GALVIS, who is 13 years younger and actually played for one of the teams involved in this game. But you know - those Venezuelans all look alike.
ratbert
From an overall business perspective need to consider the PR value and its' benefits. Tanaka merchanizing, Japanese tourists going to Yankee stadium, etc. - probably not such a bad investment. Unless of course he flops like Kei Igawa or gets injured like Daisuke Matsuzaka, which is a possibility.
slumdog
Something, or someone, is worth what others are willing to pay for them.
Tahoochi
Great player, but is he worth $175 mil??? Petty cash fo the Yankees I guess.