The New York Yankees rumors surrounding their pitching staff have been blazing all offseason. Now that exhibition games are underway, the attention remains on the arms of the Yankees starting rotation and bullpen. Will the starting rotation be able to keep the Yankees in games? Will pitchers who the Yankees will rely heavily on, bounce back after disappointing seasons? Here are the latest Yankees news and rumors you need to know:
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Masahiro Tanaka Taking The Hill Friday
Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka threw a bullpen on Wednesday and according to Yankees beat writer Erik Boland, Tanaka will make his spring debut Friday against the Atlanta Braves.
Tanaka suffered his worst season since joining the Yankees in 2014, posting a 13-12 record with a 4.74 ERA in 178.1 innings pitched. Tanaka was brought over from Japan to be the ace in the Yankees pitching rotation and made the AL All-Star team in his first season - but hasn't returned since. The uncertainty around Tanaka's pitching and health is a major reason why the Yankees were rumored for multiple starting pitchers this offseason, so having him step up will be key for New York.
Tanaka will get his first chance on Friday to show the Yankees he can still be the ace they wanted when they signed him in 2014.
Adam Warren Impresses Wednesday
Yankees relief pitcher Adam Warren is coming off an impressive season where he held a 2.35 ERA over 57.1 innings pitched. He showed quality control striking out 54 and walking 15 batters last season. Warren continued that success on Wednesday after he threw three scoreless innings in relief against the Detroit Tigers.
New York wants to use Warren out of the bullpen this season, but continue to stretch his innings out in case he is needed in the starting rotation. The 30-year-old needs to prove this season that he can stay healthy after spending two stints on the disabled list. He missed 17 games in July with a shoulder injury and 24 in September with lower back spasms.
If Warren can stay healthy he will be one of the top six arms in the Yankees bullpen this season.
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Dellin Betances Struggles
Dellin Betances has a lot to prove this season after he struggled last season. He didn't start this spring off the right way either allowing a run in two-thirds of an inning Wednesday against the Tigers. Despite the shaky appearance, Betances appears to be making the right choices in getting back to his 2015 form - which also began with a shaky spring.
Betances reported to Yankee's camp on February 13th weighing 264 pounds - 16 pounds lighter than last season. MLB.com's Bryan Hoch reported, that Betances hired a nutritionist in hopes he can repeat his delivery. The 29-year-old is hoping the weight loss will make it easier for him to replicate his pitching delivery. Betances posted a 2.87 ERA with 100 strikeouts in 59 2/3 innings, but he also walked 44 batters in 2017.
For Betances, the important thing to concentrate on this spring is limiting the walks, which he was unable to do against the Tigers.
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