Masahiro Tanaka pitched a simulated game this morning. He tossed 49 pitches and, according to those who watched it, he utilized his entire repertoire of pitches, splitter included. His command was a bit rusty, but afterwards, the Yankees manager waxed optimistic:
Joe Girardi pleased with Tanaka’s outing and says he would return only as a starter and not in relief
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 28, 2014
Girardi says he’s optimistic that Tanaka will be able to return in Sept.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 28, 2014
At the moment the Yankees are six games behind the Orioles in the AL East but only two and a half back of the Mariners, who sit in the second wild card slot. Between them: the Tigers. So, yes, having Tanaka back would be a pretty big deal.
