Masahiro Tanaka throws bullpen, says his elbow is fine

New York Yankees starter Masahiro Tanaka hasn't pitched since July 8 with a partially torn ligament in his pitching elbow. He is now a step closer to returning after throwing breaking balls in a 35-pitch bullpen session Wednesday. Afterward, he said his elbow feels fine, reports the New York Post.

New York Yankees starter Masahiro Tanaka hasn't pitched since July 8 with a partially torn ligament in his pitching elbow. He is now a step closer to returning after throwing breaking balls in a 35-pitch bullpen session Wednesday. Afterward, he said his elbow feels fine, reports the New York Post. 

After the session, Tanaka spoke to reporters through a translator:

"I feel that I’ve gotten the health to the point where the elbow is fine now. I’m more looking toward playing in a game now. But even with that said, I do have to be cautious about the elbow."

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Before sustaining the injury, Tanaka was 12-4 with a 2.51 ERA and 135 strikeouts in 129.1 innings. He made the American League All-Star team in July.

The Yankees are 8.5 games behind the Orioles in the AL East and 4 games back of the Detroit Tigers for the second AL wild card. 

- Alex Hampl