New York Yankees’ pitchers show off the goods in spring training (WATCH)

New York Yankees, Masahiro Tanaka
Mar 17, 2018; Lakeland, FL, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka (19) walks back to the dugout at the end of the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees sport one of the best starting rotations and bullpen units in the league, bolstered by new signing Gerrit Cole and utility arm, Chad Green.

Beyond Cole is where the quality of the rotation begins to take shape, as Luis Severino and James Paxton feature as the No. 2-3 pitchers, respectively. Having three pitchers that can claim the ace accolade in the same unit provides reason for excitement, and we should be ecstatic for their dominance in 2020.

However, we mustn’t forget about Masahiro Tanaka, Domingo German, J.A. Happ, or Jordan Montgomery, who are all great pitchers when at the top of their game.

Some of the Yankees’ arms showed their goods on Monday, especially Adam Ottavino, who utilized his incredible slider on almost 45% of his pitches.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

The movement on that ball… Ottavino has got the goods! Via @yesnetwork

A post shared by NEW YORK SPORTS | ESM (@empiresportsmedia) on

The curve Ottavino puts on this pitch is incredible, and it was a frequent flier during the 2019 season. We should expect him to keep his slider usage in the 40-45% range in 2020 while his fastball sits in the 40-42% area. He’s a particular pitcher than can be deadly later on in games. However, with the league implementing a new rule that forced relief arms to pitch to a minimum of three batters, it could force him into an expanded role instead of a situational one.

Tanaka also showed off his stuff, throwing three consecutive strikes to what seems to be an inexperienced hitter.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

At the tone, it will be #TANAKATIME.

A post shared by Bryan Hoch (@bryanhoch) on

Tanaka will slide in as the 4th pitcher in the rotation but will supplement Paxton in his absence. Tanaka is entering his eighth season as a Yankees in 2020, and when pitching with confidence, he’s one of the best arms out there.