After the Yankees grueling stretch of 30 games in 31 days, the team finally enjoyed a day off in the nation’s capital. While most were relaxing, Yankees ace Masahiro Tanaka was getting in some work.
The 26-year-old banged up starter is continuing to work his way back from a strained right wrist/forearm, and ultimately avoid what some are saying is the inevitable Tommy John surgery. Tanaka threw a 29-pitch bullpen session this morning at Nationals Park. No issues were reported, now the next step will be a minor league rehab outing. Reports (Donnie Collins) say he will likely join the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders at the end of the week and make his starts with the Triple-A affiliate. But both the Trenton Thunder (AA) and the Railriders have not announced a starter for Thursday home games, which would lineup for a potential Tanaka start that day. Either way the Yankees will likely make an announcement in the next 24-48 hours.
The more upsetting news was announced today that Chase Whitley will undergo Tommy John surgery. Whitley who was recalled to make spot start at the end of April for the afore mentioned Tanaka got a second opinion from team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad today. It was recommended that Whitley have the procedure done, which in fact will take place tomorrow at New York-Presbyterian Hospital under the supervision of Dr. Ahmad.
Whitley’s surgery will be performed by Dr. Christopher Ahmad on Tuesday (5/19) at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) May 18, 2015
The initial diagnosis was a UCL tear, but Whitley was hoping just heavy dose of rest and rehab would suffice. Not the case for the young right hander, Whitley will finish the 2015 season with a record of 1-2 4.19 ERA in 4 starts. Hopefully Whitley will come back stronger. He’s grown on me over the last year, I’d like the Yankees to find a permanent spot for him down the road.
