Masahiro Tanaka is ready to rejoin the Yankees starting rotation.
Roster Move: Prior to tonight’s game, the @Yankees reinstated RHP Masahiro Tanaka from the 10-day disabled list.
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) August 22, 2017
The Yankees have announced that Tanaka has been activated off the 10-day disabled list. The 28-year-old is scheduled to start Tuesday’s series opener against the Detroit Tigers.
Tanaka was placed on the disabled list on August 12 due to inflammation in his right shoulder. He was pulled from his last start against the Toronto Blue Jays after he told the team trainers that he had fatigue and soreness in his shoulder.
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As a sign of caution, the Yankees decided to shut him down. With the Bronx Bombers battling for a playoff spot, they need Tanaka to be healthy for the final stretch of the season.
The 2017 season has been a rough one for the Japanese right-hander. In 23 starts, Tanaka is 8-10 with a 4.92 ERA. This year marks the first time that Tanaka has lost 10+ games in a season during his big league career.
Although he has struggled, Tanaka seemed to be getting back on track over. Since June 6, Tanaka has been able to lower his season ERA from 6.55 to 4.92.
A healthy Tanaka would be a huge boost for the Yankees down the stretch. The club is hopeful that he can stay healthy and help them make a push for the American League East Division crown.
To make room for Tanaka on the active roster, the club optioned right-handed pitcher Bryan Mitchell to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after Sunday’s game.
