Tanaka Gives Up 7 Runs In Yankees' 13-0 Loss To Nationals
VIERA, Fla. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Masahiro Tanaka was solid in his first three spring training starts. The New York Yankees right-hander got roughed up in his latest outing.
Tanaka allowed seven runs and the Washington Nationals rolled to a 13-0 win Wednesday night.
Tanaka, who finished 12-7 last season, had allowed only seven hits and two earned runs entering the game, but allowed a solo home run to Stephen Drew and a two-run homer to Wilson Ramos in a six-run third inning. He had thrown a total of seven innings in his previous three starts, but lasted four innings Wednesday, giving up nine hits while striking out three.
"He threw a few good splits, but his stuff just wasn't sharp," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.
Given that Tanaka has only one more spring training start before the regular season - where he is likely to be New York's opening day pitcher - Girardi said Wednesday's outing was a little bit of a concern.
"You want to get it going," Girardi said. "His next start is obviously really important because you want players to feel good about themselves going into the season.
"He's got a big week of work ahead of him."
Speaking through an interpreter, Tanaka said his pitches were flat and he wasn't able to keep them down in the zone against a stacked Nationals lineup.
"Obviously, the results are not there," Tanaka said. "I think the good part is the body is healthy. I feel good. Other than that, I need to try to get some more results."
Anthony Rendon went 3 for 3 with a pair of doubles and an RBI for Washington.
STARTING TIME
Nationals: Stephen Strasburg had his best outing of the spring, tossing five scoreless innings. He allowed six hits, but struck out nine while throwing just 68 pitches.
"It's progress," Strasburg said. "The changeup was a lot better today. I feel like I was finishing the pitch better and not yanking it as many times. My curveball felt good and fastball command, always going to work on that."
TRAINER'S ROOM
Yankees: OF Jacoby Ellsbury (wrist) hit off a tee Wednesday in Tampa and will take batting practice Thursday before the team's game against Tampa Bay. Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Ellsbury could be back in the lineup when New York hosts the Rays.
NATIONALS SEND DOWN TOP PROSPECT
The Nationals reassigned RHP Lucas Giolito to minor league camp before Wednesday's game, but there's no question the team's top prospect made an impression in his first big league camp.
"I think he's close to being big-league ready," Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said. "He has to work on some of the small nuances of pitching."
ESPINOSA TO PLAY IN MINORS
Nationals manager Dusty Baker said shortstop Danny Espinsoa won't play in any more spring training games at Space Coast Stadium. Instead, he will play on the minor league side and during away games.
"He doesn't see the ball well here," Baker said.
Espinosa was hit by a pitch on his right hand Sunday, but Baker said there are no injury concerns. Espinosa is hitting just .120 (3 for 25) this spring, including 0 for 12 at Space Coast Stadium.
UP NEXT
Yankees: CC Sabathia gets the ball as the Yankees host the Tampa Bay Rays in a 6:35 p.m. game.
Nationals: Max Scherzer makes his fourth start of the spring as Washington hosts Adam Wainwright and the St. Louis Cardinals.
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