SEATTLE — Masahiro Tanaka isn’t asked often whether he is looking forward to watching the opposing pitcher work, but Tuesday night at T-Mobile Park it will be different.
That’s because the Mariners are starting Japanese lefty Yusei Kikuchi and the Yankees are going with Tanaka. It is the first time they have opposed each other anywhere.
“I am looking forward to it. There are only a handful of Japanese pitchers in the league,’’ Tanaka said before the Yankees’ 5-4 win over the Mariners on Monday. “Going against each other will be a lot of fun.’’
Kikuchi is a 28-year-old rookie left-hander who is 5-8 with a 5.19 ERA in 26 starts. Tanaka, 30, is 9-7 with a 4.68 ERA in 26 starts. The Yankees are 10-2 in his last dozen starts since June 11.
Hall of Famer and former Mariner Ken Griffey Jr. visited the Yankees’ clubhouse prior to Monday’s game and gave Aroldis Chapman a big hug. He also chatted with Aaron Boone, a former Reds teammate, and CC Sabathia.
According to Boone, Dellin Betances is scheduled to face hitters again on Wednesday and Luis Severino has another simulated game Tuesday.
“More in the 35-pitch range. If all goes well there he could go his next time out with a minor league club, possibly on Sunday,’’ Boone said of Severino, who like Betances hasn’t pitched in the major leagues this year.
Giancarlo Stanton likes to hit and work indoors, but Boone said the outfielder could take batting practice on the field Tuesday and at some point between Friday and next Wednesday report to Tampa.
Boone said that Stanton could start getting at-bats when he gets to Florida.
“He is progressing, doing agility stuff on the field [Monday],’’ Boone said of Stanton, who has been on the IL since June 26 with a sprained right knee and has played in nine games this season. “As far as G goes, on the field he does a lot of his stuff, cage work and stuff.”
Jordan Montgomery worked two innings for Single-A Tampa on Sunday in his first rehab assignment outing. Montgomery underwent Tommy John surgery June 7, 2018, on his left elbow, and the Yankees are being cautious with him.
Asked if Montgomery could make it to the big leagues this year, Boone said, “It’s possible. I think he might be going to [Double-A] Trenton next. So we will see. He is doing pretty well.’’
Cameron Maybin wasn’t in the starting lineup for a third straight game Monday night with a left wrist problem that was treated with ice following Sunday’s 5-1 win over the Dodgers in LA.
“His wrist has been a little sore. It is something that comes and goes with him periodically through the years. He is available and hopefully back in there [Tuesday],’’ Boone said of the right-handed hitting outfielder.
