BREAKING NEWS: Masahiro Tanaka Headed to DL with Elbow Inflamation
Jul 3, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka (19) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
The new keeps getting worse for the New York Yankees. Last week they lost starting pitcher CC Sabathia most likely for the year with his knee injury, Now, the teams ace, Masahiro Tanaka has been placed on the DL with an elbow injury.
News of trouble came earlier today when the Yankees announced that Tanaka was headed back to NY for an MRI on his right arm. Tanaka had his worst start of the season last night vs the Cleveland Indians giving up five earned runs over 6 2/3 innings. “I do understand the reason why I was struggling today,” Tanaka said per the USA Today. “But it’s really difficult for me to tell you why that was.” Tanaka was asked to elaborate he did say “command was one of the big reasons.”
The Yankees invested a hefty $175 million contract in Tanaka before this season, giving him a seven-year, $155 million while also paying a $20 million posting fee to his Japanese club, the Rakuten Golden Eagles. Before the season experts were concerned about Tanaka’s workload over in Japan. He had already logged 1,315 innings in Japan before his 24th birthday including 212 last year with Rakutan.
Hopefully for the Yankees it’s nothing serious, this would seriously hurt any remaining playoff chances. Masahiro Tanaka is 12-4 with a 2.51 Era this Season. Zoilo Almonte was recalled to take Tanaka’s place on the roster.