Although it was never set in stone, Masahiro Tanaka was the frontrunner for Opening Day. Now, he will officially get the start against the Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium next Monday. Joe Girardi made the announcement during today’s game between the Cardinals at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
Girardi also laid out the rotation after Tanaka. Michael Pineda will start game two, followed by Nathan Eovaldi and Luis Severino. The team is still deciding on the fifth starter, but it’s expected to be CC Sabathia.
Tanaka, who underwent minor elbow surgery in the offseason, was behind schedule entering spring training. His status for Opening Day was unsure, but he proved that he’s ready to start the season on the 25-man roster.
This marks Tanaka’s second straight Opening Day start. It will be a rematch of the Wild Card game last October, when Tanaka gave up two runs on four hits over five innings. The Yankees were outmatched by eventual Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel, who will start for the Astros in the opener.
