Tanaka throws 21 pitches in 1st bullpen session of year

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Masahiro Tanaka has thrown 21 pitches in his first bullpen session of the year at the New York Yankees' minor league complex.

The workout Thursday came one day before Yankees pitchers and catchers report for spring training.

Tanaka missed 2 1/2 months last year while rehabilitating a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. He returned for two late-September starts.

Neither Tanaka nor New York pitching coach Larry Rothschild spoke with reporters after the session. Tanaka smiled and waved while walking to a car.

Signed to a $155 million, seven-year contract, Tanaka went 13-5 with a 2.77 ERA in 20 starts.

NOTES: With the retirement of Derek Jeter (No. 2), outfielder Brett Gardner's No. 11 is the lowest Yankees' uniform number. ... Guest instructors include Reggie Jackson, Goose Gossage, Hideki Matsui, Ron Guidry, Lee Mazzilli, Stump Merrill and Billy Connors.