Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka will skip the All-Star festivities in Minneapolis this week despite being selected to the All-Star team, preferring to start a rehabilitation program for his torn ulnar collateral ligament.
NJ.com reports that manager Joe Girardi broke the news, saying: "He is just going to do treatment. He decided he wants to treat his arm and try to get ready.''
He added: "He had a great first half. He's unable to be part of it but, for some reason, I think he's going to get to go to another one."
The Japanese will receive a platelet-rich plasma injection on Monday, the first step in helping heal the tear. Yankees fan hope that Tanaka won't have to undergo Tommy John surgery which could sideline their star pitcher until next year.
Tanaka could have attended the All-Star game as an injured player but has decided that he'll just use the time off to concentrate on his rehab work. If the rehab program turns out to be successful, Tanaka could return to the Yankees active roster in six weeks.
The Yankees will be represented by the retiring Derek Jeter and pitcher Dellin Betances in the All-Star Game which happens on Tuesday.
The Japanese ace was placed on the disabled list on Sunday. He has a league-high 12 wins and had thrown three complete games. He could have started the All-Star game in his rookie season, but his manager is more impressed with his maturity.
Added Girardi: "He really understands the game, he understands how to make changes, he understands his responsibility as a player."
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