(3/12/2011) New York Yankees pitcher Kei Igawa has spoken with his family in northern Japan and is returning home after an 8.9-magnitude earthquake and tsunami devastated the country. The Yankees said on Saturday that Igawa's family is OK and that he is flying to Japan. Igawa was excused from Friday's workout so he could try and contact family members.
(2/23/2010) The New York Post reports that Yankees SP Kei Igawa will spend this spring training working as a reliever, and is likely to fill that same role in the minors to begin 2010.
(3/23/2009) The Yankees reassigned Kei Igawa to their minor league camp Monday. The left-hander, who allowed one run over 15 1/3 innings, was in the mix for the long relief role. Igawa will be a starter at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre. "Right now that's what we envision him doing," manager Joe Girardi said. "We told him, just continue to attack the zone. I think he did a really good job most of spring training. I thought this was probably his best spring training."
Yanks, other teams give Igawa a look
(3/22/2009)Kei Igawa has gotten into the long relief competition, along with Brett Tomko, Dan Giese and Alfredo Aceves, by throwing 12 2/3 scoreless innings. "He's been efficient throwing strikes," Cashman said. "He's got good stuff, but his command hasn't been there. Now he's showing the good stuff." In addition, teams looking for pitching help have been scouting Igawa. Cashman called it a mistake to give Igawa a $20 million, five-year contract in December 2006. "It has been so far," Cashman said. "Doesn't mean it will be. It gives you hope. He's a left-hander who had a lot of success in Japan. He's had success at the Triple-A level. Pitching in New York is a different animal. I'd bet you he would have success elsewhere, but here, I don't know."
Igawa competing as a long reliever
(3/18/2009) Yankees manager Joe Girardi said LHP Kei Igawa, who has thrown 12 scoreless innings this spring, is in the mix for the long relief spot. "I think it's a role he could do," Girardi said. "Throw a lot of pitches and bounce back. It's something we have to look at." Others under consideration include RHPs Brett Tomko, Jason M. Johnson and Alfredo Aceves.
Igawa having dominant spring so far
(3/16/2009) Yankees SP Kei Igawa, ticketed for the minor leagues, threw three scoreless innings Monday against the Phillies and has not given up a run in 12 innings overall. He allowed two hits and one walk, recording one strikeout.
(7/26/2008) The Yankees announced Saturday that LHP Kei Igawa cleared waivers and was outrighted to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Igawa shipped back to Triple-A
(6/28/2008) Yankees pitcher Kei Igawa was sent back to Triple-A Scranton prior to Saturday's game at the Mets. He pitched the ninth inning of a 9-0 win Friday night and allowed two hits in a scoreless inning of work.
Igawa called up by Yankees
(6/27/2008) Yankees pitcher Kei Igawa was called up by the Yankees prior to the second game of a doubleheader between the Yankees and Mets. He pitched the ninth inning of a 9-0 win and allowed two hits in a scoreless inning of work.
Yankees send Igawa back to minors
(5/15/2008)Ian Kennedy was called up to start Thursday for the Yankees. Kei Igawa was sent back to Triple-A.
Igawa's Yanks future in serious doubt
(5/13/2008) According to The Sports Xchange notes: LHP Kei Igawa was moved to the bullpen, a move that will likely be temporary until the club calls up a starting pitcher and demotes him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Manager Joe Girardi said Igawa's future still remains as a starter, though he hasn't inspired great hope. After posting a 6.25 ERA last season, Igawa was a disaster when given a chance this year, yielding six runs on 11 hits in his only start.
Igawa set to return to minors
(5/12/2008) The N.Y. Post reports that Ian Kennedy will be called up from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to pitch against the Mets on Friday in the opening game of this year's Subway Series. He will start Monday night at Triple-A Indianapolis in the first game of a double-header, but he'll likely be held to one inning so he can start Friday.
Kennedy will start Friday for Igawa
(5/12/2008)Ian Kennedy, who has made just one start in Triple-A (a spectacular one), reportedly will start in place of Kei Igawa in the opener of the Subway Series on Friday night vs. the Mets and Mike Pelfrey.
Rainout pushes back Yanks rotation
(5/11/2008) The finale of the weekend series between the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers was postponed by rain on Sunday. A makeup date wasn't immediately announced. MLB.com reports that Sunday's starter, Andy Pettitte, will now be pushed back to open a four-game series with the Rays Monday. Chien-Ming Wang, Monday's original starter, will go Tuesday and then Mike Mussina will pitch Wednesday. The Yankees are still deciding on pitching Darrell Rasner or Kei Igawa on Thursday. Whoever doesn't go Thursday will likely pitch Friday against the Mets.
Igawa allows 11 hits in bad start
(5/9/2008) Yankees SP Kei Igawa, called up from Triple-A before Friday's game at Detroit to make his season debut, had a forgettable start. He lasted just three-plus innings, allowing six runs on 11 hits. He also suffered the loss.
Igawa on Friday; Rasner on Saturday
(5/6/2008)Kei Igawa reportedly will make his season debut for the Yankees on Friday, with Darrell Rasner pitching Saturday. Joba Chamberlain remains in the setup role until one of these replacement options completely falters.
Yankees send struggling Kennedy down
(5/4/2008) Struggling SP Ian Kennedy was sent to the minor leagues Sunday by the New York Yankees, who purchased Darrell Rasner's contract from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Kennedy was 0-2 with an 8.37 ERA in six games, including five starts. "I was kind of surprised," Kennedy said. "But it's bound to happen if you don't win, especially here." The Yankees plan to give Rasner another start Friday or Saturday in Detroit. Kei Igawa could be called up from Triple-A to pitch in that series as well. "That's the way we're leaning right now," GM Brian Cashman said. To make room for Rasner on the 40-man roster, the Yankees transferred reliever Brian Bruney (right foot) from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL.
Rasner, Igawa candidates for Yanks?
(4/30/2008) RHP Darrell Rasner is 4-0 with a 0.87 ERA in Triple-A and LHP Kei Igawa has posted a 3.58 mark, but expectations for both pitchers are not high at the big-league level.
Igawa more human Tuesday night
(4/9/2008) After going six hitless innings in his Triple-A opener, Kei Igawa looked more human Tuesday night, allowing six hits and a run in four innings. Igawa has 13 Ks in 10 innings to start the season.
(3/28/2008) The N.Y. Post reports that Jeff Karstens went from being the leading candidate for the long relief job with the Yankees to likely headed for the 15-day disabled list with a right groin injury. "He will have an MRI (exam today),'' manager Joe Girardi said. "He said he felt something in his groin, not a pop but not what you want to see. I don't think he is healthy enough to go with us."
Igawa makes pitch for long reliever
(3/27/2008) RP Kei Igawa, bidding to be the long man in the Yankees bullpen, startedThursday's spring game against the Pirates and allowed four runs and five hits over 3 1/3 innings. He took the loss while allowing three walks and striking out two. He has a 5.56 ERA.
(3/23/2008)Kei Igawa threw four hitless innings in a minor league game Sunday. He struck out eight and walked one. Jose Molina, who caught Mussina, went 0-for-3 with a strikeout against Igawa. Manager Joe Girardi said there are eight or nine candidates for three open bullpen spots.
Igawa stinks it up in latest outing
(3/15/2008) Yankees SP Kei Igawa gave up three runs in three innings in his latest spring outing Saturday against Tampa Bay. He gave up five hits and a mammoth home run to center field. He struck out one batter.
Girardi impressed with Igawa Tues.
(3/5/2008) Yankees manager Joe Girardi was most pleased during Tuesday's rain-shortened spring game against the Blue Jays with Kei Igawa, who allowed a grand slam against South Florida last Friday. He struck out two in a strong performance Tuesday. "Outstanding," Girardi said. "I think it's important for him. Everybody wants encouraging outings." Igawa threw 13 of 18 pitches for strikes in two perfect innings. "This time I was concentrating on throwing strikes," Igawa said through a translator.
Igawa blasted by college opponent
(2/29/2008) Friday against South Florida, Yankees P Kei Igawa picked up where he left off last season, allowing a sixth-inning grand slam to Eric Baumann. It was just the third at-bat for Baumann following a two-year layoff caused by shoulder surgery. Igawa allowed four runs, one hit, two walks and hit a batter in one inning. "I'm not too worried at this point, it is the first game," Igawa said through an interpreter. "At the same time I realize what I need to work on. I'd like to get more control when throwing hard."
Yankees weight their LH RP options
(2/27/2008)Sean Henn, Billy Traber and possibly Kei Igawa are potential left-handed reliever for the Yankees, who almost might look into 33-year-old Damaso Marte, a free agent following the season. Henn is out of options.
Igawa battles for LH spot
(2/25/2008) The N.Y. Daily News reports that several lefthanders will have a shot at capturing a job in the bullpen over the next five weeks. Manager Joe Girardi is looking for lefty specialists, but he also needs a player that can get right-handers out also. "I think it's important to have one, but if that's not one of your best arms, you're just not going to take one to take one," Girardi said. "You want one or two of them to step up and be one of the best arms you take March 31. It's always nice to have a lefthander." Kei Igawa, Sean Henn, Chase Wright, Billy Traber and Heath Phillips are battling for bullpen jobs.
Yankees let Kei Igawa throw more
(2/17/2008) Yankees LHP Kei Igawa was out on the field throwing early before his bullpen session Sunday. "Kei is used to something different than most of the pitchers that have pitched here, so we are trying to be flexible in the way we handle Kei Igawa," Girardi said. "Kei asked to throw a little bit more, and we're trying to adapt to his ways a little bit, as well as him adapting to our ways."
Igawa thinks he's better prepared
(2/16/2008) Yankees SP Kei Igawa's first season in the majors was a bust. Igawa was projected to be the fourth or fifth starter in 2007 after signing a $20 million, five-year contact. The former Japanese Central League All-Star went 2-3 with a 6.25 ERA in 14 games, and wound up spending most of the season in the minors. After Saturday's workout, Igawa met for 30 minutes behind closed doors with Girardi, general manager Brian Cashman and pitching coach Dave Eiland. Igawa left the meeting upbeat. "Last year I had a hard time adjusting to the major league spring training, but this year after having a good talk with Brian, Joe and Dave, I believe I can better prepare myself for a much better season," Igawa said through an interpreter.
Igawa pitches five scoreless
(9/26/2007) Kei Igawa, standing in for scheduled starter Roger Clemens, pitched five scoreless innings at Tampa Bay Tuesday before New York's bullpen let the Devil Rays back in the game.
Igawa makes spot start for Yankees
(9/25/2007) Roger Clemens was scratched from his start for the Yankees on Tuesday night at Tampa Bay because of a lingering left hamstring injury. The announcement was made about four hours before game time. The team said Clemens will not pitch in the three-game series with the Devil Rays that runs through Thursday. Kei Igawa was picked to replace Clemens for Tuesday night' start.
Igawa recalled on Sunday
(9/9/2007) The Yankees recalled left-handers Sean Henn and Kei Igawa and right-handers Matt DeSalvo and Jeff Karstens from Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes/Barre on Sunday. The Yankees also called up outfielder Bronson Sardinha from their Triple-A club and purchased the contract of right-hander Ross Ohlendorf.
Igawa needs to work on 'consistency'
(7/27/2007) The New York Yankees sent struggling starter Kei Igawa to Triple-A Scranton and recalled infielder Chris Basak from the same club Friday. Igawa (2-3) was the losing pitcher in a 7-0 defeat at Kansas City on Thursday. He allowed five runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings, a lackluster outing that raised his ERA to 6.79 in 12 games. "There is nothing he needs to work on other than consistency," manager Joe Torre said. "We took time explaining it to him and he'll be reminded when he goes down there."
Report: Igawa demoted Friday
(7/27/2007) According to a New York radio report, Yankees SP Kei Igawa has been demoted to the minors Friday less than 24 hours after losing to the Royals. Igawa yielded five runs in 5 2/3 innings against the Royals, as well as allowing six extra base hits.
Igawa worked over by Royals
(7/27/2007) Six of the Royals' seven extra-base hits on Thursday came against Kei Igawa (2-3), the Yankees' $46 million bust. He gave up five runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings in Kansas City, his ERA rising to 6.79. "He's missing some spots," manager Joe Torre said of Igawa. "His stuff was good, but he still needs to command it. I still think he's going forward."
Igawa gets a no decision
(7/21/2007) Yankees starter Kei Igawa overcame two early home runs and an early 2-0 deficit Saturday afternoon vs. Tampa Bay to pitch five solid innings in the first game of a split doubleheader vs. the Devil Rays. Igawa allowed seven hits, struck out six and walked three in five innings, but did not factor in the final decision.
Yankees name Saturday's starters
(7/18/2007) Yankees manager Joe Torre said he's leaning toward having SP Kei Igawa start the first game of Saturday's doubleheader, meaning SP Matt DeSalvo would go in the nightcap. That way, the Yankees won't need to make a roster move to make room for DeSalvo until after the opener. DeSalvo will be recalled from the minors before his start.
DeSalvo gets nod over Clippard
(7/18/2007) RHP Matt DeSalvo will be recalled from the minors to start one game in Saturday's doubleheader against Tampa Bay. He was picked over RHP Tyler Clippard, who also was in New York's injury-depleted rotation earlier this year. "You've got to earn it. He's pitched the best," GM Brian Cashman said, referring to DeSalvo. LHP Kei Igawa will start the other game in the doubleheader.
Kei Igawa strikes out seven
(7/17/2007) Making his first start in 11 days, Igawa needed 115 pitches to get through five innings on Monday against the Blue Jays. The rookie struck out a career-high seven and walked four, leaving with a 4-3 lead. "He made a lot of good pitches," Yankees manager Joe Torre said.
Torre looking forward to Monday
(7/14/2007) Yankees manager Joe Torre made a special effort to watch Kei Igawa's bullpen session Saturday and came away impressed. The struggling left-hander (2-2, 7.14 ERA) will make his next start Monday against Toronto. "Hopefully, that carries over to Monday," Torre said. "I'm looking forward to Monday."
Igawa shaky in no decision
(7/5/2007) The Twins got to Yankees starter Kei Igawa for two runs in the first inning Thursday and three in the fourth. Michael Cuddyer and Justin Morneau had RBI singles as Minnesota's first four batters of the game reached against the struggling Yankees starter. Igawa departed after retiring the Twins in order in the fifth. He allowed seven hits, walked three and struck out three. The Japanese left-hander hasn't recorded a victory since he pitched six shutout innings in relief against Boston on April 28.
Kei Igawa loses to Oakland
(6/30/2007) Making his second start since he was recalled from the minors, Kei Igawa (2-2) allowed four runs and five hits in 6 1/3 innings in a losing effort Saturday vs. Oakland.
Igawa to pitch on Saturday
(6/25/2007)The Sports Xchange notes: LHP Kei Igawa will be skipped in the rotation due to an off-day on Monday. His next start will be Saturday, against the Athletics at Yankee Stadium.
Igawa nearly goes five innings
(6/23/2007) At San Francisco Friday, Kei Igawa, making his first start after seven weeks in the minors, was sharp early but was removed one out away from a potential win after walking Barry Bonds with the bases loaded to cut New York's lead to 5-2 in the fifth inning.
Igawa recalled on Friday
(6/22/2007) The New York Yankees recalled left-hander Kei Igawa from Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre on Friday and optioned lefty Sean Henn back to the minors.
Igawa will get called up Friday
(6/20/2007) Yankees manager Joe Torre said left-hander Kei Igawa will be called up and face the Giants on Friday night in San Francisco.
(6/18/2007)The Sports Xchange reports that LHP Kei Igawa will start on Friday night, opening a series in San Francisco. Igawa is 2-2 with a 2.88 ERA at Triple-A Scranton, and reports indicate that he's finally harnessed his signature changeup.
Igawa likely back in Yanks rotation
(6/16/2007) The Yankees sent down starter Tyler Clippard after Saturday's game vs. the Mets. The team called up Kevin Thompson to take his roster spot. Clippard lasted just 3 1/3 innings Saturday afternoon vs. the Mets after he allowed five earned runs off five hits and three walks. He struck out two in the outing, but also allowed two home runs.
Igawa headed back to rotation?
(6/16/2007) Yankees starter Taylor Clippard lasted just 3 1/3 innings Saturday afternoon vs. the Mets after he allowed five earned runs off five hits and three walks. He struck out two in the outing, but also allowed two home runs. The Yankees got word from Tampa on Friday that Kei Igawa is ready to return to the major league roster Saturday afternoon, meaning Clippard's time as the No. 5 starter could be at an end.
Igawa making strides in minors
(6/12/2007) According to the New York Daily News, Yankees pitcher Kei Igawa is making great strides with his new mechanics, but the lefthander doesn't appear close to making a return to the majors just yet. Although he has had good results in each of his past two starts, Igawa continues to struggle with his changeup, which was supposed to be his best pitch when the Yankees signed him out of Japan. Igawa has allowed three runs over 14 innings in his past two starts for Triple-A Scranton, giving up 11 hits and walking four while striking out 17. His next start is scheduled for Thursday in Charlotte.
Igawa won't start for Yanks Monday
(6/3/2007) Yankees pitcher Kei Igawa, who was the leading candidate to start Monday's game at Chicago in place of Roger Clemens (groin), pitched for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre on Sunday. That rules him out for the start Monday.
Igawa likely to take Clemens' start
(6/2/2007) Roger Clemens was scratched from Monday's start against the Chicago White Sox because of a fatigued right groin. Clemens first experienced the pain during his last minor league outing, for Triple-A Scranton on Monday. Rather than risk additional injury, he decided to be cautious, the Yankees confirmed during Saturday's game against the Boston Red Sox. "Roger has kept us informed," manager Joe Torre said during the television broadcast. "He wasn't sure yesterday that it was going to keep him from starting, and today we got the news that he's going to need some extra time." The injury is not believed to be serious. It is not clear when Clemens will pitch, but he will miss the four-game series at Chicago.
Igawa buried in Triple-A start
(5/30/2007) Kei Igawa, one of the Yankees' top offseason acquisitions, was the loser for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre on Tuesday. Igawa allowed four runs and eight hits over five innings. He struck out six and walked one.
Igawa to pitch on Tuesday
(5/28/2007) LHP Kei Igawa will make another minor-league start, this time for Triple-A Scranton on Tuesday night. Though the reports are that Igawa's mechanics are improving, his velocity needs to ramp up.
Igawa to move up minors ladder
(5/25/2007) Yankees SP Kei Igawa is scheduled to start Tuesday at either Double-A or Triple-A. Ineffective at the start of the season, he was sent to the minors to work on his mechanics.
Igawa to make Class A start Thurs.
(5/23/2007) Left-hander Kei Igawa is scheduled to make his second minor league start Thursday for Class A Tampa at the Vero Beach Devil Rays. He allowed two unearned runs over four innings during his first start for Tampa last Saturday. The former Japanese Central League star was sent to the minors on May 7 to work on pitching mechanics.
Igawa works bullpen sessions
(5/21/2007) Left-hander Kei Igawa threw 56 pitches in a bullpen session, two days after he allowed two unearned runs over four innings during his first start for Class A Tampa. He was sent to the minors May 7 to work on pitching mechanics and could pitch in another minor league game later this week.
Igawa works out kinks in minors
(5/20/2007) Rookie pitcher Kei Igawa allowed two unearned runs in four innings in his first start for the New York Yankees Class A Tampa affiliate on Saturday. It was the first action for Igawa since May 4, three days before he was sent to the minors to work on his control and pitching mechanics. The Japanese rookie left-hander threw 68 pitches, allowing three hits and a walk with two strikeouts. He said for the past two weeks he's been focused on tightening his delivery. "That's the main goal right now," Igawa said through a translator. "I'm emphasizing on getting rid of wasted movements and motions. I haven't pitched in a while and (Saturday) I had some good moments and some bad moments. Overall, I thought it was good."
Igawa makes first minors start
(5/19/2007) Rookie pitcher Kei Igawa allowed two unearned runs in four innings in his first start for the New York Yankees Class-A Tampa affiliate on Saturday. It was the first action for Igawa since May 4, three days before he was sent to the minors to work on his control and pitching mechanics. The Japanese rookie left-hander threw 68 pitches, allowing three hits and a walk with two strikeouts.
Igawa to make Class A start
(5/17/2007) LHP Kei Igawa will make his first minor league start on Saturday, at Class A Tampa. Yankees pitching instructors Nardi Contreras and Gil Patterson have worked to break down Igawa's delivery, with emphasis on improving his balance. Igawa is not a consideration for Sunday, when the Yankees require a starter, due to Tuesday's rainout.
Yanks need fill-in starter Sunday
(5/16/2007) Tuesday night's rainout means the Yankees need a No. 6 starter to go Sunday vs. the Mets. Chien-Ming Wang could pitch on three-day's rest or Chase Wright or Tyler Clippard (3-2, 2.79 ERA in seven starts) could be summoned from Triple-A, according to MLB.com. "I have no problem with Chase Wright," manager Joe Torre told MLB.com. "He has a good makeup, as far as I'm concerned." Clippard's day to pitch is Thursday in Triple-A, though. Someone that won't be an option is Kei Igawa, who will finally make a minor league start Saturday.
Igawa doing bullpen sessions
(5/14/2007) Yankees LHP Kei Igawa, sent to the minors May 7 to correct problems with his delivery, had a 19-pitch bullpen session after working on his mechanics.
Kei Igawa working on mechanics
(5/13/2007) LHP Kei Igawa, optioned to the minors Monday to correct mechanical problems with his delivery, had his first bullpen session Saturday at the team's spring training complex in Tampa Fla. "It was very good," Yankees pitching coordinator Nardi Contreras said.
Igawa working on new delivery
(5/10/2007) LHP Kei Igawa, optioned to the minors Monday, worked on pitching balance during his first workout in Tampa with Nardi Contreras, the club's pitching coordinator. The team wants Igawa to correct mechanical problems with his delivery. There is no timetable for when he will resume pitching in games. "He'll practice it again tomorrow," Contreras said. "How long it's going to take for it to become automatic and it to become natural to him, we don't know." Igawa also spent 90 minutes watching video of himself and the deliveries of some top major league pitchers, including Tom Glavine and Mark Buehrle. "I got to see a lot of the great pitchers and compare my delivery," Igawa said through a translator. "I got done what I wanted to do today."
Igawa optioned to Triple-A
(5/7/2007) The Yankees have called up Matt DeSalvo and optioned Kei Igawa to Triple-A. Darrell Rasner has beaten out Igawa for a starting rotation spot, apparently.
Igawa chased after four innings
(5/4/2007) The Mariners chased Yankees SP Kei Igawa from Friday's game after just four innings. The lefty allowed nine hits, one walk and eight earned runs before hitting the showers. He also allowed three homers and struck out two. His ERA rose from 6.08 to 7.63.
Igawa back in rotation Friday
(5/2/2007) LHP Kei Igawa will rejoin the Yankees' starting rotation on Friday night at Yankee Stadium against the Mariners. Igawa was skipped over his last start, due to ineffectiveness, but he pitched six scoreless emergency innings last Saturday against Boston. Igawa pitched exclusively out of the stretch in that appearance to help regain his command.
Igawa back in Yanks rotation
(4/28/2007) Banished to the bullpen, Kei Igawa saved the struggling New York Yankees when they desperately needed him. Igawa shut out the Boston Red Sox for six-plus innings after replacing injured starter Jeff Karstens in the first, and New York snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory Saturday. With Karstens suffering a broken fibula, Igawa is likely back in the Yankees rotation. Igawa allowed just two hits and no runs in his outing while striking out six. He also walked four batters.
Yanks to skip Igawa's turn
(4/27/2007) According to MLB.com, the Yankees would like to see SP Kei Igawa work more on his placement and that was the reason they chose to skip his turn in the rotation Saturday against the Red Sox. He will be replaced by rookie Jeff Karstens. "I thought Karstens pitched a more controlled game the last time he pitched (vs. Boston), as opposed to Kei," manager Joe Torre said. "Kei really struggled the other night (Monday). His stuff was fine, except that he just couldn't command it. We figured this would give him a couple times in the bullpen to work on some stuff with (pitching coach) Ron Guidry."
Karstens in for Igawa on Saturday
(4/26/2007) Jeff Karstens, not Kei Igawa, will start for the Yankees on Saturday vs. the Red Sox. Igawa will pitch out of the bullpen this weekend and could return to the rotation next week, depending on whether Philip Hughes earns another start after his debut Thursday night.
Yankees announce reset rotation
(4/25/2007) The game between the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees scheduled for Wednesday night was rained out. With a steady rain falling on the field, the game was called about an hour before it was supposed to start. No makeup date was immediately announced. Yankees SP Phil Hughes, one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, will make his major league debut Thursday night against Toronto. The Yankees decided to push back Andy Pettitte to Friday night against Boston. Yankees manager Joe Torre said Kei Igawa or Jeff Karstens would pitch Saturday and Chien-Ming Wang would go Sunday against the Red Sox.
(4/24/2007) In his fourth start since leaving Japan to sign with the Yankees, Kei Igawa (1-1) allowed seven runs and eight hits in 4 1/3 innings in Monday's game at Tampa Bay. "You know it's going to get better. We're a team. We win together. We lose together," Yankees manager Joe Torre said.
Igawa to pitch vs. Iwamura Mon.
(4/23/2007) 3B Akinori Iwamura said he is looking forward to Monday's matchup with Yankees Japanese LHP Kei Igawa, which will be shown live on TV and broadcast live on radio in Japan. "Of course there is some excitement," he said through an interpreter. "But I'll try not to be too excited and play the game as usual."
Igawa notches first MLB win
(4/18/2007) The New York Yankees have found the formula to beat Cleveland: Get a big early lead and a home run from Alex Rodriguez to help a rookie starter gain his first major league win. Rodriguez hit his major league-leading ninth homer, Kei Igawa limited the Indians to a pair of runs over six innings, and the Yankees defeated Cleveland 9-2 Wednesday night. Igawa allowed five hits, struck out five and walked one, lowering his ERA from 7.84 to 6.06.
Igawa much better second time out
(4/14/2007) LHP Kei Igawa made a significant improvement in his second big-league start Friday night, charged with two runs on three hits and two walks against Oakland. "I was able to get ahead in the count, (though) I'm not satisfied yet," said Igawa, who got a no-decision.
Yanks want more out of Igawa
(4/12/2007) After Carl Pavano and Andy Pettitte rebounded from rough first starts with solid outings over the past couple of days in Minnesota, manager Joe Torre is looking for the same turnaround from Kei Igawa in Friday's game at Oakland. Igawa had trouble throwing strikes last week against Baltimore. "I just want to see the same pitcher that pitched the last time he pitched in spring training," Torre said.
Igawa has below-average debut
(4/7/2007) Kei Igawa left Saturday's start against the Orioles after five mediocre innings trailing 7-3. Two days after countryman Daisuke Matsuzaka pitched seven dominating innings to win his debut for the Boston Red Sox, Igawa started hearing boos after his 12th batter. He failed to string together a 1-2-3 inning and gave up seven runs, eight hits, three walks, a hit batter and two home runs, a performance that left him with a 12.60 ERA.
Rainout resets Yankees rotation
(4/4/2007) Following Wednesday's rainout, the Yankees reset their rotation. Andy Pettitte will pitch Thursday against Tampa Bay, while Mike Mussina, Kei Igawa and Darrell Rasner will work the homestand against the Orioles. Carl Pavano is pushed back to Monday at Minnesota.
Igawa set for his MLB debut
(3/31/2007) Yankees SP Kei Igawa gave up three runs and six hits over six innings during Saturday's spring finale against the Tigers. He also had three strikeouts in the game. The Japanese left-hander is scheduled to make his major league debut Friday at Yankee Stadium against Baltimore. "I'm very excited," Igawa said through an interpreter. "My goal is not to walk as many batters." Igawa walked 12 in 23 innings during spring training but none Saturday.
Igawa looks sharp on Monday
(3/26/2007) Kei Igawa threw five effective innings in the New York Yankees' 5-1 spring win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday. Igawa gave up one run, three hits, two walks and had four strikeouts. He threw 49 of 87 pitches for strikes. "I have a couple of things I need to work on," Igawa said through an interpreter. "I need to work on my change up. I'm working on my style of pitching. I don't know a lot about the hitters in the major leagues. I haven't gotten to that yet. I'm just working on my pitches."
Igawa keeps particular routine
(3/25/2007) LHP Kei Igawa decided to delay the normal side session between starts, with the blessing of club officials. Igawa had adopted certain training methods in Japan, and "we're not trying to change what he does, because he's had success," manager Joe Torre said. The command on Igawa's slider has improved noticeably throughout the spring.
Igawa has great outing Tuesday
(3/21/2007) Kei Igawa took a major step toward earning a spot in Yankees' rotation at the start of the season. Igawa allowed two hits over five innings Tuesday night in a 2-0 victory over the Phillies. "It was the best one so far," Yankees manger Joe Torre said. "I thought he was fine. I thought his location was much more consistent. It looked like all of his pitches were working. I think he will probably sleep better tonight." On Tuesday, Igawa struck out three and walked three, throwing 38 of 65 pitches for strikes.
Igawa throws bullpen session
(3/19/2007) Jeff Karstens has put himself into consideration for Kei Igawa's spot in the New York Yankees' rotation. "I'm just taking it in stride," Karstens said Monday after New York's 9-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Karstens allowed his first runs of the year, giving up four over 4 1/3 innings. He had pitched 10 consecutive scoreless innings before Aaron Hill's two-run double with two outs in the second. "We want Igawa to be one of the starters," Yankees manager Joe Torre said. "The only way that wouldn't happen is if we think, he could improve here."
Igawa slows down delivery
(3/17/2007) LHP Kei Igawa walked seven batters in his first seven exhibition innings, but he had 12 strikeouts. He's succeeded at slowing down his delivery and extending his arm more on his follow through. Recently, the Yankees had to stop him from throwing a ball against a fence between starts -- but only because it was unsupervised work. "We're here to support him, not to change him," Joe Torre said.
Igawa inconsistent once again
(3/15/2007) Kei Igawa was inconsistent again. The Japanese left-hander allowed one hit, four walks and struck out five in three scoreless innings of the New York Yankees' 3-2 win over the Atlanta Braves on Thursday night. Igawa has 12 strikeouts and seven walks over seven innings in three starts. He threw just 29 of 62 pitches for strikes on Thursday.
Igawa looks good Saturday
(3/10/2007) One thing is certain about New York Yankees import Kei Igawa: He never saw outfielders as big as Brad Eldred in Japan. Igawa felt more comfortable in his second exhibition outing Saturday -- except for a homer and a double allowed during New York's 5-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. "I wanted to keep my arm strong and work on my changeup," he said through a translator. "Compared to the last time, I was able to throw strikes." Igawa threw 15 pitches in the bullpen after he left the game.
Igawa has rough Yankees debut
(3/5/2007) Japanese left-hander Kei Igawa allowed two runs, two hits, three walks Monday. He struck out three and faced eight batters, getting three outs before leaving in the second. "The only thing I saw was overstriding," Yankees catcher Jorge Posada said. "When you strike the guys out, you obviously made some good pitches. When you walk the guys, everything is up in the zone." Igawa loaded the bases on two walks and a single, with no outs in the first. "He looked like he rushed himself a little bit," New York manager Joe Torre said. "He just didn't seem to finish off pitches. The first time out, maybe getting a little over anxious."
Igawa sharp in intrasquad game
(2/28/2007) The quick-working Kei Igawa needed just 19 pitches to cruise through two scoreless innings in an intrasquad game Tuesday. "He was good," manager Joe Torre said. "There's really no wasted motions. He's very compact and he goes after it. I think that's a sign of knowing what you want to do." The only hit Igawa allowed was a leadoff, first-pitch drag bunt single by the speedy Brett Gardner. Three pitches later, Igawa induced a double-play grounder from Bronson Sardinha. After Jose Tabata ended the first with a grounder, Igawa pitched with a 1-2-3 second. Igawa threw 14 strikes and didn't allow a ball out of the infield. "My control was a little off, but I was able to get some strikes in there, so it's OK," he said.
Pavano OK, Yanks set schedule
(2/26/2007) Yankees pitcher Carl Pavano's MRI and X-rays taken Sunday on his foot showed a bone bruise. "I wasn't too concerned with the progress I've made," Pavano said. "I was able to do all my activity today in the weight room. It's considerably better every day." Pavano is to make his first spring training start Sunday. He was hit on the instep by a liner during batting practice Saturday. "Obviously, if he doesn't throw enough to work into that day, we'll make adjustments," Torre said. "Right now he is still scheduled for that day." Chien-Ming Wang is to start the spring training opener Thursday against Minnesota. Andy Pettitte will pitch Friday, with Mike Mussina going Saturday. Japanese left-hander Kei Igawa is scheduled for Monday. Igawa will pitch two innings in Tuesday's intrasquad game.
Igawa needs to slow down a bit
(2/23/2007) According to MLB.com, Yankees SP Kei Igawa was told by pitching coach to slow down after he threw 40 pitches in just about eight minutes Thursday at Legends Field. "He has to slow down in between pitches, because he works too fast," Guidry said. "He threw a lot of pitches. Everybody else was throwing 30 to 35, and he was up to 40 when I stopped him."
Kei Igawa impresses Posada
(2/19/2007) LHP Kei Igawa was initially wild during his first mound session with the starters, but he quickly began hitting his spots. C Jorge Posada was impressed with Igawa's signature changeup, and manager Joe Torre said: "I like that he wasn't trying to impress anybody by throwing strikes and sacrificing his aggressiveness."
Igawa throws first bullpen session
(2/15/2007) Yankees SP Kei Igawa threw an eight-minute bullpen session Thursday in Tampa to catcher Jorge Posada alongside the other New York starters on a cold day, with the temperature in the 50s. One of his first pitches sailed high, went through the gap between the door and the fence and nearly beaned a photographer. "He looked a little wild today, but he hadn't been off the mound since November, so it's understandable," manager Joe Torre said. "It looks like he's loose. He doesn't have any trouble just letting the ball go. He just seems very aggressive." Igawa said through a translator that he wasn't nervous. "A little rusty. In Japan, I'm like that, too," he said. "Not exciting. More I was just worried about my control. That was more in my mind than being excited."
Igawa's first bullpen moved
(2/12/2007) LHP Kei Igawa had his first bullpen session pushed back to Thursday because of rain.
Igawa reports early to spring training
(2/7/2007) Kei Igawa is getting an early start to his first spring training with the New York Yankees. "He looks like he is going to be a real good pitcher," Yankees vice president Billy Connors said Wednesday after Igawa's second workout at New York's minor league complex. "He throws a heavy ball. He should be very good." Igawa, who agreed in December to a $20 million, five-year contract, has been throwing on flat ground. The 27-year-old left-hander is scheduled to throw off a mound on Monday. "We need him this year," Connors said. "He's very important for our club. I've heard a lot of good things about him. We're happy to have him. We're anxious to see him out there."
Igawa not guaranteed rotation spot
(1/9/2007) The Yankees introduced one of Randy Johnson's replacements Kei Igawa during a typically formal news conference attended by about 75 Japanese reporters. The 27-year-old left-hander spent eight strong seasons with the Hanshin Tigers, going 14-9 with a 2.97 ERA and 194 strikeouts last year. "We look for him to come in and solidify the back of the rotation," GM Brian Cashman said. "I think the fact that he took the time today to learn a bit of English -- I think that was just a small indicator of the work ethic that he possesses as he tries to transition over here."
Yanks complete deal for Igawa
(12/27/2006) As the Yankees kept talking about trading Randy Johnson, they finalized their $20 million, five-year contract with Japanese pitcher Kei Igawa on Wednesday. The Yankees had until Thursday to complete an agreement with Igawa after bidding $26,000,194 last month for the right to negotiate with him. The left-hander went 14-9 with a 2.97 ERA and 194 strikeouts for the Hanshin Tigers last season. New York must pay the bid fee to the Tigers by Jan. 4.
(12/24/2006) Japanese pitcher Kei Igawa took a physical Friday, part of the process of completing a $20 million, five-year contract. His agent, Arn Tellem, has been negotiating with the Yankees on performance bonuses that will be included in the deal. Igawa's contract must be finished by Thursday. The Yankees bid $26,000,194 last month to gain his negotiating rights but pay the money to his Japanese team, the Central League's Hanshin Tigers, only if they reach an agreement by Dec. 28.
Igawa deal close, but still not done
(12/21/2006) Judging by the smile Japanese left-hander Kei Igawa wore Wednesday after an hour-long meeting with GM Brian Cashman, a deal should come soon. "The deal is not done, but it will be nice if we can do it," Igawa said through a translator. Igawa and the Yankees have agreed in principle on a five-year, $20 million contract. The 27-year-old Igawa is scheduled to take a physical Thursday. He arrived in New York early Wednesday and spent much of the day looking around New York, including a tour of Yankee Stadium. Igawa is scheduled to fly back to Japan on Saturday. Even if the deal is completed before then, the Yankees aren't expected to make a formal introduction of their newest Japanese player until January.
Igawa to have physical Wednesday
(12/20/2006) Japanese pitcher Kei Igawa was scheduled to arrive in New York on Wednesday to have his physical for the Yankees. Igawa's agent, Arn Tellem, and the Yankees have been working toward agreement on a $20 million, five-year contract. The sides are still negotiating the year-to-year breakdown of his salary and what performance bonuses will be included. New York and Igawa have until Dec. 28 to finalize an agreement. The Yankees bid $26,000,194 for the 27-year-old left-hander and must pay the fee to the Tigers within five business days after completing a contract.
Yankees close to deal with Igawa
(12/17/2006) The Yankees are hoping to reach agreement with Kei Igawa at $20 million over five years. The Yankees plan to have left-handers Andy Pettitte and Kei Igawa take their physicals before the holiday break.
