It was reported late Thursday afternoon that New York Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka will miss his next scheduled start with a strain in his right flexor mass.
Masahiro Tanaka's next start will be skipped. MRI revealed small strain in right flexor mass, Joe Girardi said.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) September 22, 2016
Yankees manager Joe Girardi states he is confident the strain is a minor issue with hopes that Tanaka will be able to make his last start of the regular season. Â He and pitching coach Larry Rothschild stressed the fact it has nothing to do with the right-hander’s elbow.
Tanaka is also confident he will make a return before season’s end, stating, “I should be able to come back strong (this season) so I’m not really worried.”
He made his 31st start of the season last night in Florida against the Tampa Bay Rays, allowing four runs on seven hits over six innings of work, including four solo home-runs off of him in the third inning. Â Tanaka has pitched very well for the Yankees in 2016. Â On the season, he is 14-4 with a 3.07 ERA, 1.077 WHIP, and 165 strikeouts.
When asked who will start in place of Tanaka, the team was unsure. Â Girardi responded with “Johnny Wholestaff?” Â Time will tell who will start this coming Monday.
Stay tuned to Bronx Pinstripes for updates in regards to the team and Tanaka’s injury.
