RADIO
In 2015, Nathan Eovaldi's best friend was the Yankees offense. When a pitcher posts a 4.20 ERA and goes 14-3 on the year, you know he's getting some crazy run-support. In Eovaldi's 14 wins last season, the Yankees averaged a little over eight runs in each. After struggling in the early and middle parts of the season with his control and keeping the ball in the yard, Eovaldi finished strong, nailing down the split finger he showcased in spring training, and combining it with his 96 MPH fastball. From June to September, Eovaldi relinquished only three home runs, heading into fall-ball as the Yankees top guy. That is until he injured his elbow and was shelved for the season.
Like for Tanaka, it's normal to question his health, but nothing is indicating an unhealthy start to 2016 for the 25 year old. One of Eovaldi's biggest issues last season was pitching deep into games, as he constantly lingered around an 80-90 pitch count in the fifth inning. In only half of his wins did he pitch into the sixth. But this isn't exactly too worrisome with New York's bolstered bullpen. With the tag-team of his split and fastball, and a healthy arm, Eovaldi should be taken in the late rounds of a draft, and used to round out a rotation in deeper leagues.
