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Five bold predictions for New York Yankees in 2016 Spring Training

By Tim Haberin

Mar 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka (19) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka (19) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Masahiro Tanaka will throw 200 innings

Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

As far as on-field results go, the Yankees can’t be too dissatisfied with what they’ve received from Masahiro Tanaka. Over his first two MLB seasons, the Japanese import has posted a 3.16 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 5.83 K/BB ratio in 44 total starts.

The only problem is that Tanaka hasn’t been on the field quite as often as they would like. The right-hander was limited to 136.1 innings in 20 starts in 2014 due to an elbow injury, and 154 frames in 24 outings last season with a forearm strain. Many have debated whether his partial UCL tear will eventually require surgery.

Well, 2016 will finally be the year that Tanaka turns in a full season for the Yanks. 200 innings is his goal and he will eclipse that mark by year’s end. His performance may tend more toward last season’s numbers (3.51 ERA) than the year prior’s (2.77 ERA), but he will reliably take the ball every fifth day, as the team hoped he would when they signed him to a seven-year deal.

Next: Judge Sighting

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