TAMPA, Fla. (AP) – Masahiro Tanaka pitched five scoreless innings against minor leaguers in an instructional league simulated game Monday, perhaps the final step before the injured Japanese pitcher rejoins the New York Yankees.
Tanaka threw 65 pitches at Steinbrenner Field, allowing six hits and striking out four. His fastball reached 92 mph.
“It feels good,” Tanaka said through a translator. “I feel all right.”
Tanaka has been sidelined since July 9 with a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. If the Yankees think he is ready, Tanaka could start against Toronto at Yankee Stadium this weekend during the team’s final homestand.
“It’s very possible he could be in a game for us, the next step,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said.