Igawa has best start to date

On the day Andy Pettitte was held back with back spasms, Kei Igawa stepped up. Igawa produced his best start on these shores, twirling five shutout innings of two-hit ball during the Yankees' 2-0 victory over the Phillies last night. If you want to nitpick, the Japanese import walked three, but he struck out three to run his total to 15 Ks in four starts (12 innings).

Though some in the Japanese media weren't bowled over by the start, Igawa's stuff translated perfectly in the eyes of the Yankees. The 27-year-old lefty solidified his chances of being named the team's No. 5 starter. Continue