Tanaka may start rehab assignment soon
Throws 35-pitch bullpen session, feels no pain in wrist or forearm
KANSAS CITY -- Masahiro Tanaka made it through the second bullpen session of his most recent rehab without incident, and the Yankees right-hander could soon be cleared to begin pitching in Minor League games.
Tanaka threw 35 pitches at Kauffman Stadium on Friday afternoon, using all of his pitches, and he said that he felt no discomfort in his right wrist or forearm. If Tanaka reports to the ballpark healthy on Saturday, the Yanks could be ready to green-light his next step.
"It felt like the way I pitched the last time out in the bullpen," Tanaka said through an interpreter. "I think I kind of followed that up. I'm pretty satisfied with today's session."
Tanaka said that he does not think it will be necessary to pitch batting practice before games, hoping that he can leap right into facing Minor League lineups.
"Just trying to not look too far ahead," Tanaka said. "Just kind of taking it day by day."
Tanaka has been on the disabled list since April 29 with a right forearm strain and tendinitis in his right wrist.
"It's been good so far," manager Joe Girardi said. "Everything he's done, he's passed with flying colors. Obviously the intensity gets turned up when you get into games at this level, but so far, so good."