The worst news the New York Yankees could deal with in 2014 was an injury to ace pitcher Masahiro Tanaka. After one of his worst outings of the season on Tuesday against the Cleveland Indians, the Japanese import flew back to New York to have an MRI on his right arm.
Masahiro Tanaka flying back to NY for an MRI on his right arm, The Post has learned https://t.co/bKbWhn37nO
— George A. King III (@GeorgeAKingIII) July 9, 2014
Reports are conflicting about whether the injury is related to his forearm or his elbow, but a vague Tanaka hinted that the injury played a role in his poor outing vs. the Indians. "I do understand the reason why I was struggling today, but it's really difficult for me to tell you why that was," Tanaka told MLB.com's Bryan Hoch.
It's Tanaka's elbow that's getting a look in the MRI https://t.co/bKbWhn37nO — George A. King III (@GeorgeAKingIII) July 9, 2014
Hearing on Tanaka that issue is in the forearm area. Obviously anything is bad/scary, but shoulder would be the worst.
— Daniel Barbarisi (@DanBarbarisi) July 9, 2014
Tanaka has been sensational in his rookie campaign, going 12-4 in 18 starts with a 2.51 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 7.11 K/BB ratio. The severity of the injury is unclear at this time, but if Tanaka requires an extended DL stint, rumors of the Yankees pursuit of Tampa Bay Rays ace David Price will ramp up.
In a talk with The New York Post, Price acknowledged he could be dealt near the deadline with the Rays suffering through a surprisingly bad season. "It is a reality, a possibility," Price said. "I'd have no problem fitting in, I never have. It could happen."
Price talked a little bit about his perception of the Yankees organization as well. "There's a lot more emphasis on winning. You've got to be willing to accept that challenge. It probably pushes you to be better."
Price is a 28-year-old former Cy Young winner, and is 8-7 this season with a 3.48 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 7.95 K/BB.
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