Masahiro Tanaka is projected to start for the New York Yankees in their 2016 MLB season opener, but it remains to be seen whether or not the Japanese pitcher will be ready to face the Houston Astros on April 4.
According to Yahoo Sports, Tanaka, who underwent surgery to remove a bone spur in October, had a bullpen session on Friday, throwing 25 pitches, which could be a sign he is ready to start for the Yankees against Houston.
However, Yankees manager Joe Girardi is not ready to make a decision, insisting that Tanaka will only start in their season opener if the 27-year-old pitcher is 100 percent fit.
"We will make sure that we put him in a situation where he is ready to go pitch before he gets into a game," Girardi said of starting Tanaka. "If it takes a little longer, it takes a little longer."
Tanaka signed a lucrative seven-year deal worth $155 million with the Yankees in 2014. The former Rakuten Golden Eagles pitcher had a strong start in his first season with the Yankees, tallying an 11-1 record in his first 14 starts for the Yankees.
However, Tanaka sustained a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow. The Itami, Japan native also suffered wrist tendinitis and forearm strain last season, which limited him to just 24 appearances.
In his first two season in the league, Tanaka has pitched 290 innings with a 25-12 record in 44 starts with a 3.16 ERA. After undergoing surgery in his elbow, the right hander is confident he will have a better season this year.
"I think I was able to clear some stuff out of my arm," Tanaka said via NJ.com. "I feel that it is better this year compared to last year."
Tanaka also added that he is not concerned about his conditioning, which makes him feel confident he can pitch 200 innings in the upcoming season for the Yankees.
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