Tanaka rocked by HRs again, concerns re-emerge

Here we go again.

Masahiro Tanaka pitched 7 1/3 strong innings, striking out 13 while allowing only one earned run against the Oakland Athletics on May 26. It looked like the good version of the beleaguered New York Yankees starter had returned.

Then he allowed seven runs to the Baltimore Orioles in his next start.

Which brings us to Tuesday. The Boston Red Sox came to Yankee Stadium ready to swing the bat. After a shaky start to the first inning, Tanaka managed to retire nine consecutive batters before walking Xander Bogaerts to lead off the fourth.

Then Mitch Moreland came to the plate.

Hanley Ramirez immediately followed.

The next inning, Andrew Benintendi went yard for the second straight game with this merciless bomb:

This brought Tanaka's home runs allowed up to 17 through 12 starts in 2017. He allowed only 18 through his first 30 starts in 2016 before allowing four in his last start.

ESPN Stats & Info pointed out that after the three home runs Tuesday, Tanaka has allowed 11 over his last five starts. In that same span, other Yankees starters have allowed a combined 11 long balls.

The Yankees gave Tanaka the hook after five innings and only 62 pitches. Despite the Yankees' overall success this season, their would-be ace has not been a primary contributor. His 6.55 ERA and 2.32 home runs allowed per nine are both far cries from his career numbers.