INJURY UPDATE: Masahiro Tanaka Feeling Less Pain In Arm

New York Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman gave some news on the Bombers’ ace Masahiro Tanaka, saying that Tanaka is feeling less pain in the right elbow that sent him to the 15-day DL.  Although he is feeling less discomfort, Tanaka is still a few weeks away from throwing. “He’s improved, but he still feels it, although on a daily basis it decreases,” Cashman said on yesterday’s Michael Kay Show.  “So that’s good, but it’s not good that he’s still feeling it at this stage. So it’s just day-by-day, week-by-week and we’ll adjust accordingly. It’s too early to call.”

The Yankees have a lot riding on Tanaka’s elbow, the ace had carried the team with his 12-4 record, and 2.51 ERA. Tanaka’s injury is a very delicate situation; he was diagnosed with a partially-torn Ulnar Collateral Ligament and if the Yankees don’t handle this correctly, he could end up needing season-ending Tommy John surgery. The reports are a bit alarming, since pain should be minimal at this point, but the goal is to get Tanaka back HEALTHY and not necessarily quickly.  The Yankees would surely sacrifice a couple of weeks to let the elbow fully recover if it means avoiding surgery or further injury.

We’ll all get a better read on Tanaka once he begins throwing again in about two more weeks. “There won’t be really (any throwing) for three weeks, so two more weeks. He said he feels better. He did say he feels better, but I don’t think you really know how he’s doing until you get him on a mound and you start going forward.” said manager Joe Girardi to Jason Rubenstein and Mark Feinsand of the Daily News.

The Yankees and Girardi are taking things a day at a time. We’ll keep you updated on Tanaka’s health status as more news flows in.  Masahiro Tanaka has been on the DL since July 9th.