The New York Yankees have stayed alive in the American League playoff hunt with the human equivalent of duct tape this season, wringing good performances out of a bevy of discarded veterans like Brandon McCarthy, who is 4-0 with a 2.74 ERA in five starts with the Yankees, and middling prospects like Yangervis Solarte. They'd love to get injured ace Masahiro Tanaka back from his partially torn UCL as soon as possible though, and got encouraging news on that front yesterday.
According to reports, Tanaka played catch yesterday at Yankee Stadium, and made about 25 throws without feeling pain. "Good," was how Tanaka described the session, before elaborating. "I think it all went well."
Tanaka came to MLB with huge expectations and has exceeded them-before hitting the disabled list Tanaka posted a 12-4 record with a 2.51 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 135 strikeouts in 129 innings. He displayed pinpoint command, registering a 7.11 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and was able to pitch very well in his home park, a notorious hitter's haven.
The Yankees rotation has been devastated by injury; CC Sabathia and Ivan Nova have been lost for the season while Michael Pineda has missed significant time. Just this week David Phelps, a converted long reliever who had been filling in ably, was sent to the DL as well.
Matt Daley has been recalled from Triple A, although it's unclear if he will be called on to fill Phelps' role. He's posted a 4.35 ERA in 12 appearances, and Pineda is reportedly close to returning. He's scheduled to pitch in two more rehab outings, and with his injury history the Yankees will be hesitant to rush his recovery.
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