It’s easy for the Hiroki Kuroda doubters to come out in full force after his shaky debut with the New York Yankees, but realistically, you can take very little from any starter’s first outing of the season.
If first starts were everything, CC Sabathia wouldn’t be that good.
New York’s No. 2 starter went 5.2 innings, allowing six runs (four earned) on eight hits with fours walks and two strikeouts.
Right off the bat, Kuroda got into trouble thanks to predictably shaky fielding from Eduardo Nunez. The young infielder booted the first play of the game which was a routine ground ball and should’ve been an easy out.
The Rays made the most out of the extra out and after retiring the next two batters, Kuroda’s control issues became apparent after two consecutive walks. Luke Scott would make him pay with a two-run single to give Tampa Bay an early lead.
Had Nunez made that play, it’s safe to assume Kuroda gets out of the first with a 1-2-3 inning and maybe that changes his fortunes. At the very least, he would’ve allowed only four runs and that would’ve been enough for a Yankee offense that scored six in the game.
Kuroda was lifted in the sixth inning with two outs and two runners on. Clay Rapada successfully got out of the jam without anymore damage.
Keeping the ball down will be the name of the game in Kuroda’s next start. He was missing high and often against the Rays as evidenced by the numerous fly ball outs he was getting.
It’s far too early to have a debate about a NL West pitcher moving to the AL East. Pitchers both good and bad get off to slow starts and I won’t be surprised if Kuroda does the same with his new team.
And don’t expect Kuroda to keep his ERA in the low threes like he did last season.
He’ll be right around where he was tonight and that is allowing three to four runs per start.
Doing that consistenly will help Kuroda have a career-high win total when 2012 is said and done thanks to the offensive production the Bombers will supply.
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