Why Yankees could still see a Shohei Ohtani-Masahiro Tanaka battle Sunday vs. Angels

While Los Angeles Angels pitcher/DH Shohei Ohtani was scratched from his start on Sunday, May 27, 2018 (5/27/18) vs. Yankees righty Masahiro Tanaka, there’s a chance Ohtani still could face his fellow Japanese star…

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Japan will have to wait.

The Angels whacked the chances at a showdown between their star right-hander Shohei Ohtani and the Yankees‘ Masahiro Tanaka, his fellow countryman, on Sunday at Yankee Stadium.

The pair were lined up to battle each other on the mound but, according to the Associated Press, Ohtani’s start will be pushed back indefinitely in order to manage his workload.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Ohtani would still be available to hit against Tanaka.

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Ohtani last pitched Sunday against the Rays, grabbing his second straight win while giving up two runs and six hits in 7 2/3 innings, a season-high. His 110 pitches were also a season-high.

The 23-year-old rookie is 4-1 with a 3.35 ERA in seven starts. He’s also hitting .308 with six home runs and 19 RBI and a .946 OPS in 26 games.

The Yankees hoped to sign Ohtani in the offseason but he landed with the Angels after telling potential suitors he wouldn’t sign with a big-market club or one that played on the East Coast.

The Angels have moved Garrett Richards into Ohtani’s spot against Tanaka. Andrew Heaney will pitch the Friday series opener against Luis Severino. The Angels haven’t announced a Saturday starter but the Yankees have said they will throw Sonny Gray.

Tanaka and Ohtani are at least acquaintances, having worked out together in the offseason. Tanaka is 5-2 with a 4.95 ERA in 10 starts. He’s been awful his last three outings, posting a 6.46 ERA and giving up five home runs.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.