Masahiro Tanaka Backs Up Justin Verlander and Admits Ball Feels 'Different'
After Justin Verlander ripped the MLB for what he claimed were "juiced" baseballs allegedly meant to increase power numbers, Yankees starter Masahiro Tanaka came out in support.
Tanaka claimed the ball was harder than the old ones, and that the laces are in a lower position on the ball now. For a pitcher who relies on his off-speed stuff, the change would be truly noticeable.
Masahiro Tanaka says the ball is too hard and that the laces are too low — clearly a problem for a guy who lives off his splitter and doesn't throw 100 mph: https://t.co/dsRqt2Tjlq #Yankees
— Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) July 10, 2019
Although this isn't on the level of Verlander's profanity-laced attack on the MLB, Tanaka's claim adds merit to Verlander's complaints.
The AL All-Star teammates have noticed the difference, as has the rest of the league, with home runs statistics higher than ever this season. Verlander's 26 home runs allowed this season lead the MLB, and are only four shy of his career high for a whole season.
Justin Verlander blames MLB for juiced balls, home run surge https://t.co/FpEbtcGu3g
— Detroit Free Press (@freep) July 9, 2019
Regardless, Tanaka has fared well in 2019, sporting a 3.86 ERA in 18 starts to earn the All-Star bid.
Despite all the home runs, however, Verlander has been arguably the best pitcher in the game. The veteran starter owns a 10-4 record and 2.98 ERA in 19 starts this year.