Yankees News: Masahiro Tanaka Headed to 15-day DL

New York Yankees ace Masahiro Tanaka is headed to the 15-day disabled list with a small strain in his right forearm, GM Brian Cashman announced.  Tanaka was scheduled to pitch Tuesday’s night game versus the Tampa Bay Rays, but was initially pushed back.

Tanaka underwent an MRI Tuesday, revealing a strain in his wrist.  No further damage to his elbow has been detected.  Tanaka, who was coming back from a partially torn UCL in his right elbow on which he declined Tommy John surgery, has looked strong in the early going this season.

Michael Pineda will start on regular rest, while Gregorio Petit, who was sent down Tuesday in order for Chase Whitley to make the spot start will be recalled

Tanaka likely won’t be back in the big leagues for another month, according to Brian Cashman:

Whitley will most likely take Tanaka’s spot in the rotation, until Chris Capuano is ready to return to the majors.  The injury to Tanaka significantly weakens the rotation, and the Yankees have to hope that this isn’t an indicator that their ace will need Tommy John surgery.

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