Indians' Josh Tomlin Breaks Daisuke Matsuzaka’s Major League Record

Admittedly, the idea that Josh Tomlin could break a MLB record that Daisuke Matsuzaka somehow held is inherently dubious. But just hear us out on this one.

Following his seven inning Fourth of July gem over the Yankees, the 26-year old Indians righthander became the all-time leader in consecutive outings of five innings or more to begin a career. The start was his 29th in a row within the parameters of the record, edging out Matsuzaka's 28 straight that he railed off to start his career in Boston.

While it seems odd to think that this feat hasn't been accomplished more often, it is worthwhile to note that most pitchers begin their careers out of the bullpen, thus would immediately be disallowed a shot at breaking the record.

The list of pitchers to start their careers with 20+ five-inning outings:

Josh Tomlin - 29 (2009-10)
Daisuke Matsuzaka - 28 (2007)
Steve Rogers - 24 (1973-74)
Runelvys Hernandez - 21 (2002-03)
Chris Nabholz - 21 (1990-91)
Barry Zito - 20 (2000-01)
Howard Ehmke - 20 (1919)

While it took just three years for Tomlin to break Matsuzaka's record, the possibility exists that his version may be eclipsed far sooner. The closest active pitchers to threaten the new record are Baltimore's Zach Britton and Seattle's Michael Pineda, who both currently sit at 17 consecutive starts.