Report: Yankees starter Masahiro Tanaka's recovery going slowly
The New York Yankees might not get their ace back for the rest of the season, according to an MLB.com report.
Masahiro Tanaka is "still feeling" his injury, general manager Brian Cashman said, two weeks after partially tearing his ulnar collateral ligament in a July 8 start against the Cleveland Indians.
Despite suffering an injury that typically results in Tommy John surgery, the Yankees and Tanaka opted to use a six-week rehab program and possibly return this season. Now, getting another start from Tanaka this season is up in the air.
"Right now, it's too early to call," Cashman told ESPN New York 98.7.
More: Masahiro Tanaka issues statement apologizing for elbow injury
New York manager Joe Girardi said before Thursday's game that the Yankees won't know "if he's going to be a pitcher for us" until Tanaka starts throwing again. He was shut down for three weeks after the injury and is expected to start throwing again at the beginning of August.
Tanaka was just the latest in a slew of injuries that demolished the Yankees original starting rotation. Michael Pineda, Ivan Nova and C.C. Sabathia all join him on the disabled list.
- Evan Webeck
