Tanaka on changing pitching style: 'Not the wisest to ask for velocity from me this year'

Don't expect Masahiro Tanaka to light up the radar gun this year.

The New York Yankees' right-hander plans to change his pitching style this year, which will result in a dip in his velocity, he revealed Saturday to the media.

Tanaka took the majors by storm during his rookie campaign last season as a power pitcher, but a tear in his ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow forced him to the disabled list for 10 weeks. Tanaka, who went 13-5 with a 2.77 ERA in 20 starts last season, elected not to have Tommy John surgery during the offseason and will attempt to become more of a finesse pitcher in order to avoid the procedure and miss at least a year of action.

"I'm going to try and establish a certain pitching style this year, so it is not the wisest to ask for velocity from me this year," Tanaka said through an interpreter. "I think in terms of miles per hour go, it will be lower than last year."

Tanaka's fastball averaged 91 mph a year go, according to Fangraphs. But he displayed the ability to pump up his velocity in order to escape in key situations. This spring, Tanaka's fastball ranged from 89 to 91 mph as he transitions to a two-seam fastball for greater movement. He primarily threw a four-seam fastball last year, which is the ideal grip used by pitchers looking to maximize their velocity.

Tanaka has been tabbed the Opening Day starter by manager Joe Girardi despite the injury concerns, and a dip in his velocity may not necessarily lead to a decline statistically as long as his devastating splitter remains effective.

The Yankees have committed $175 million to Tanaka including his posting fee to keep him under contract until at least 2020. His elbow issues certainly will be a concern moving forward, as Tommy John surgery seems likely for the 26-year-old at some point in the future.