He faced Cleveland in game three of the 2017 ALDS, tossing 7 shutout innings as the Yankees started their now-famous comeback because series. Tonight, hell face a lineup starting 4 players he slaughtered three seasons ago.
The other day was a great day to be a Yankee fan, as the team leapt all over Cleveland starter Shane Bieber in the very first inning en route to a 12-3 victory in video game one of this Wild Card Series. The Yankees can sweep Cleveland right out of the playoffs with a similar trip tonight, and theyll send out on of the very best postseason pitchers of all time to the mound.
The only change from last nights lineup is the insertion of Gary Sánchez at catcher over Kyle Higashioka. Otherwise, why mess with the squad that put up a dozen 24 hours back?
Carlos Carrasco, Clevelands starter, was likewise the starter because video game three, and matched Tanaka pitch for pitch, throwing 5.2 innings of no-run ball. Hes had an exceptional 2020 – 2.91 ERA and 3.59 FIP, setting out practically 11 per 9.
Masahiro Tanaka has fluctuated from average-to-good in the regular season for the Yankees, however in the playoffs, hes an entirely various guy. His 1.76 playoff ERA is 2 runs less than his routine season mark, and the least expensive of any Yankee postseason performer not named Mariano Rivera. Thats some business.
First pitch comes at 7:05 PM EDT, on ESPN.