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5 reasons for the Yankees to be happy about 2016

By Joshua Sadlock

Aug 13, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Tyler Austin (26) is congratulated by Aaron Judge (99) after hitting a solo home run during the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Tyler Austin (26) is congratulated by Aaron Judge (99) after hitting a solo home run during the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 15, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka (19) reacts after a play against the Boston Red Sox in the seventh inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 15, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka (19) reacts after a play against the Boston Red Sox in the seventh inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Masahiro Tanaka stayed healthy

For the first time in his three-year career, the Japanese ace stayed off the disabled list for an entire season. Tanaka has made a career-high 30 starts with two weeks left in the season, and will surpass 200 innings barring a monumental collapse. Tanaka has also handled the workload well, posting excellent numbers in the second half.

The Yankees are set at many positions in the field, but their rotation is a big question mark. Tanaka’s right elbow has been viewed as a ticking time bomb since coming to Major League Baseball, but there have been no flare ups this season. For now, the Yankees’ $155-million investment appears to be safe.

The future of the New York rotation hinges on Tanaka’s ability to stay healthy. Nathan Eovaldi had Tommy John and may be non-tendered after the season. Michael Pineda remains an enigma, and the trio of Luis Cessa, Chad Green, and Luis Severino remains unproven.

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