NEW YORK _ The chants started in the right field stands and gradually spread around Yankee Stadium.
The Bleacher Creatures serenaded their newest hero with "Edwin" and kept the party going all night.
But on a night that was supposed to be about Edwin Encarnacion, it was Masahiro Tanaka who stole the show. He got the loudest cheer when he got Tommy Pham to ground out, finishing a complete game shutout over Tampa Bay. The right-hander allowed just two hits and struck out 10 in a 3-0 win over Tampa Bay.
It made Encarnacion's pinstriped debut a success.
"It's been a lot of fun," manager Aaron Boone said on Monday afternoon. "It's a testament and a tribute to the guys we've had in the room, to the guys we've brought in, to the guys that have come and gone."
Tanaka threw 111 pitches (76 strikes) in one of the best starts of his career. It was needed on a night when the Yankees' offense was mostly quiet.
The Yankees took the lead on a two-run home run by DJ LeMahieu, whose third inning blast went an estimated 410 feet to center. They added a run later on with a solo shot by Cameron Maybin. The team has now homered in 20 straight games, just five away from tying a team record set in 1941.
With the win, the Yankees moved to 1.5 games over the Rays atop the AL East.
"We're playing a division rival," Boone said. "That's certainly a team that we're going to be in competition with throughout the year. Any time you play a division opponent, you can say it takes on double the importance."
The Yankees can also take pleasure in knowing that their lineup is about to get even deeper. Outfielder Giancarlo Stanton will be back in New York on Tuesday after missing time with a biceps strain. Aaron Judge is expected to return before the end of the 10-game homestand, but it could be even sooner since his rehab has gone well.
"He feels good," Boone said. "He feels like he's ready. I'm excited to see him here in a few days."
Throw Encarnacion into that order and the Yankees suddenly have a surplus of right-handed power. There was buzz in the Bronx when public address announcer Paul Olden introduced "the newest member of the Yankees" in the bottom of the second inning. Encarnacion worked a 10-pitch at-bat and came up swinging, but ultimately struck out swinging. The All-Star first baseman finished 0-for-4 while batting fifth and serving as New York's designated hitter.
"We just felt this was an opportunity that was too good to pass up," GM Brian Cashman said. "With the quality of the bat, the makeup of the player and how he fits within our lineup."
It's likely that the Yankees and Cashman aren't done making moves just yet. When asked about adding a starting pitching, Cashman said he has been "placing my calls to the opposing general managers." He revealed that the Yankees are keeping a list of players who are available or who might hit the market.
"Everybody is cross-checking and scouting each other," Cashman said. "I certainly want to pull down whatever is best for this franchise and for our fanbase. We certainly have the talent to take another shot at this thing."
