TAMPA — Before Masahiro Tanaka even throws a pitch in a spring training game, he isn’t fan of the pitch clock.
MLB is using spring training to introduce a 20-second pitch clock that hasn’t been approved for regular-season games. The Players Association and MLB need to agree on the clock, but commissioner Robert Manfred can implement it without the union’s consent.
“As players we have to certainly go by the rules. That said, for me personally, I am not in favor of the 20-second rule,’’ Tanaka said after his start against the Phillies on Tuesday at GMS Field was rained out. “There is a time lag between pitches and if you put a limit on that, I am not in favor of that.’’
If implemented, Tanaka will be affected because he is among the slowest pitchers in the majors.
According to FanGraphs, Justin Verlander was the slowest between pitches among those who qualified with a 27-second clocking last year. Tanaka, who didn’t qualify among statistical leaders, was also at 27.
Tanaka went to the indoor bullpen and threw 65 pitches with pitching coach Larry Rothschild standing in the batter’s box.
“Obviously I wanted to pitch in the game, but the good part of today was to throw with a little bit of force, gas on the pitches,’’ Tanaka said. “Just being able to build up on the intensity was the takeaway from today.’’
Aaron Boone said he anticipated Tanaka’s next outing will be in a spring training game rather than a simulated one.
The plan called for CC Sabathia not to get on a mound until Friday after undergoing right knee surgery last fall.
Nevertheless, the veteran left-hander worked briefly on a mound Monday in preparation for a regular bullpen session slated for Friday.
Because Sabathia is suspended for the first five games, Boone was asked if he will join the rotation during the second turn.
“I think that’s getting too far ahead of ourselves right now. I think first things first, get him on the mound, throw his side, then we’ll see how he progresses and see where we’re at,’’ Boone said. “We may have to iron out something with that at some point, but we’re not there yet. He is doing well. He’s getting the strength back. Getting a little bit better. His arm feels great. He feels good. So I think the momentum’s going the right way.’’
Chance Adams will start Wednesday versus the Tigers in Lakeland, Fla. Albert Abreu, who was slated to pitch Tuesday, will work in relief.
… Tommy Kahnle threw a simulated game Tuesday and Zack Britton worked in the bullpen.
DJ LeMahieu was in Tuesday’s lineup as the third baseman but will play second Wednesday and start at third after that.
LeMahieu will be joined on the short trip to Lakeland by Luke Voit, Gleyber Torres, Miguel Andujar, Clint Frazier, Aaron Hicks and Greg Bird.
Gary Sanchez’s first game will be Friday night at home against the Orioles.
Asked if he was impressed thus far by any position player Boone pointed out infielder Kyle Holder.
“I think Kyle Holder impressed us last year in his time here. And then he had the back which kind of shut him down second half of spring and was out for a little while to start the season,’’ Boone said of the 24-year-old who was a first-round pick (30th overall) in the 2015 draft out of the University of San Diego. “But he’s been a guy that continues to grab our attention. He’s such a gifted defender, and he looks a little stronger this year and that bat continues to come along.’’
Boone would rather Frazier not focus on taking Brett Gardner’s left field job away.
“I want him to be healthy, get reps, play, not so much worry about how much it plays out. Because the bottom line is, if he’s in a good place and playing and getting better, he’s going to play in the big leagues a long time,’’ Boone said of Frazier who is fighting Tyler Wade for the final roster spot after playing in just 15 games last season due to concussion issues. The loser will be sent to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
“I don’t want him to even get caught up necessarily in ‘I’m going after this.’ Play. For him, with his talent, if he plays well, it’ll work out really well for him over time.”