New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins: Masahiro Tanaka vs. Jake Odorizzi

After taking three of four from Toronto over the weekend, the Bombers begin a new four-game set tonight against the Twins in Yankee Stadium. New York looks to push its winning streak to a season-high three games. Minnesota, meanwhile, is reeling after being swept by the Orioles in a three-game weekend series in Baltimore. Masahiro Tanaka (2-2, 6.45 ERA) toes the slab for the Yankees, while Jake Odorizzi (1-1, 3.38 ERA) goes for the Twins.

Pitching matchup

The Yankees need a bounce-back game from Tanaka in a big way. The right-hander got tagged for seven runs on eight hits in his last start versus the rebuilding Marlins. Only six of those runs were earned, but Tanaka’s line should have been even better. A misplayed grounder that would have been the final out of the fifth inning was scored a hit. Tanaka then walked the next batter and a three-run home run followed. To his credit, the veteran shouldered the responsibility entirely after the loss.

”They made some fine plays, too. Errors are part of the game,” said Tanaka. “You can’t really make that an excuse. Even given that situation, you’ve got to execute pitches and make outs. I have to do a better job of that.”

In his previous start in Boston, Tanaka was credited with the win despite giving up six runs. He only lasted five innings in that game as well. Tanaka wasn’t his best in either outing. A return to ace form would surely be welcome as the Yankees want to keep their winning streak going against the slumping Twins. Perhaps a little extra mojo from David Wells Bobblehead night might help?

The Bombers are very familiar with Jake Odorizzi, having faced him many times during the five years he spent with Tampa Bay. In six career starts at Yankee Stadium, Odorizzi is 2-3 with a 5.75 ERA. The right-hander started two games against the Yankees last season, both at Tropicana Field. He allowed four runs in the first start and five in the second, losing both games.

Lineups

Notes

• Aaron Judge is 6-for-21 with six walks, three homers, six RBIs, and five runs scored in his last six games.
• Miguel Andujar is 13-for-24 with two homers, seven RBIs, and seven runs scored in his last six games.
• Didi Gregorius is 8-for-21 with three homers, seven RBIs, and six runs scored in his last six games. The Yankees have played 20 games this year and Sir Didi has 20 runs batted in.
• Gleyber Torres seeks his first big-league hit. Join us for the game today, perhaps this will be Gleyber’s day!

How to watch

Location: Yankee Stadium

First pitch: 7:05 PM EDT

TV channel: YES, ESPN

Online streaming: MLB.tv (out-of-market only)

Radio broadcast: WFAN 660/101.9 FM, WADO 1280 (full listings)

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