Yankees RHP Tanaka to make rehab start at Triple-A Scranton

WASHINGTON (AP) New York Yankees starter Masahiro Tanaka is slated to throw about 45 pitches in a minor league rehab start at Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes-Barre on Thursday.

The Japanese right-hander hasn't pitched since April 23 because of a strained right forearm and tendinitis in that wrist.

''It's important for me to be able to throw all my pitches. So, definitely, that's what I'm looking for,'' Tanaka said through an interpreter before the Yankees played the Washington Nationals on Tuesday.

He threw a bullpen session in Washington on Monday.

As for how many rehab appearances Tanaka might make, manager Joe Girardi said: ''It's a decision that we'll make after each start - when we feel that he's ready to go. I'm not going to put a number on it. Let's just see how he does with the 45 and decide what's next after that.''