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Posted at 10:45 AM EST

1:05 PM EST. On the surface (4.95 ERA), it looks like Masahiro Tanaka (RHP) is an average pitcher but we can blame an early and unlucky hr/f bug. That said, much of that same bug followed him around all of last year too. With an upper-tier first-pitch strike rate/swing and miss combo, a nice groundball tilt and very good command, his warts aren't skill-related. Tanaka is a quality starter that gives up jacks (11 HR’s in 56 innings already) and that also has a history of nagging injuries. Those two things are what to be wary of. Tanaka’s surrendering 1.8 HR/9 this season which is EXACTLY the same mark he had last year that ranked third worst in the majors behind only Jeremy Hellickson and John Lackey. However, the Yanks have won Tanaka’s last five starts so they are able to overcome his shortcomings. In other words, the Yanks are overpriced and always will be for the time being. That doesn’t mean we should bet against them every day but we can pick some spots. This is one of them. Even if Tanaka doesn’t give up a couple of bombs here, the Angels can still win.

After missing most of 2016 with a torn UCL, and most of 2017 with a biceps strain, Garrett Richards (RHP) has been healthy so far but the time off and injuries have not impacted his pitching prowess. As a power pitcher, it's important to note that Richards' premium fastball velocity is still intact. He throws a heavy 4-seam, sinker, and slider that all induce grounders at better than a 50% clip. This arsenal typically helps him keep the ball in the yard, and likely means that his hr/9 will head south going forward. His below average control (23 walks in 52 frames and 53% first-pitch strike rate) is key here. Further growth as a pitcher will hinge on improvement and if he’s throwing strikes he should dominate lineups. The 30-year-old Richards still throws hard, misses bats (57 K’s in 52 innings) and induces grounders like he did before the arm injuries. The long layoff may be to blame for the diminished control & command but that figures to improve as the season wears on. This is a high quality starter and high quality offense worth getting behind here.

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