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MLB: The Top Five Stories from April

By Xavier Alatorre

Apr 7, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; A general view of the opening day ceremonies before the game between the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; A general view of the opening day ceremonies before the game between the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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5. Masahiro Tanaka Throws a Maddux Against the Boston Red Sox

What the hell is a Maddux? It is when a pitcher throws a complete game shutout with 99 pitches or less. Why is it called a Maddux? It is a tribute to Greg Maddux, one of the game’s most cerebral and efficient pitchers.

It’s not as rare as a perfect game or no-hitter, but it is a measure of a pitcher’s composure and efficiency on the mound. It’s even more impressive of a feat considering starting pitchers rarely throw complete games these days. Only 36 pitchers threw complete games in 2016. Only three pitchers have thrown complete games so far this season.

Thursday, April 27, Masahiro Tanaka threw a complete game shutout against the Boston Red Sox, hurling only 97 pitches. It was the first Maddux of the season.

In addition to pitching the full nine innings, Tanaka allowed only three hits and struck out three batters. It was the second shutout of his career.

Tanaka has been off to a mediocre start. He has a 4.20 ERA and his walk rate increased from 4.5 percent in 2016 to 7.9 percent in 2017. Simultaneously, his strikeout rate has decreased to 17.3 percent, a three percent drop from last season.

The 28-year-old right-hander is in his fourth season with the Yankees. Originally from Japan, Tanaka signed with the Yankees in 2014 for $155 million over seven years. Tanaka may opt out of his contract at the end of this season, according to FanGraphs.

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