Tanaka throws successful bullpen session

Before the Yankees opened up their first home spring training game, ace Masahiro Tanaka threw a 30-pitch bullpen.

According to mlb.com writer Bryan Hoch, Tanaka said, "Whenever they want me to go, I'll be ready."

Masahiro Tanaka threw a 30-pitch pen, close to game action. “Whenever they want me to go, I’ll be ready,” he said. pic.twitter.com/I3UkXYcPAo

— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) March 4, 2015 According to Daniel Barbarisi of the Wall Street Journal, manager Joe Girardi expects Tanaka to pitch in his first game sometime later next week. This coincides with ESPN's Marly Rivera who said Tanaka will probably start against the Braves on March 12.

Girardi says beltran will make spring debut friday, and he expects tanaka will see first game action sometime late next week. — Daniel Barbarisi (@DanBarbarisi) March 4, 2015

Girardi also said that Carlos Beltran will make his spring training debut Friday at George M. Steinbrenner Field.