The Yankees sent ace Masahiro Tanaka to New York for an MRI on Wednesday, and have placed him on the 15-Day Disabled List with elbow inflammation. The blow is a devastating one for the Yankees, who despite injuries in their starting rotation to C.C. Sabathia, Michael Pineda, and Ivan Nova, have managed to keep themselves somewhat afloat in a weak AL East. Just a few days ago the Yankees managed to turn Vidal Nuno into Brandon McCarthy, and have finally seen prime production from Brian McCann at the plate.
Tanaka, 25, had been rocky in his last few starts. His game on Tuesday night was the worst of his American career so far, allowing five earned runs to the Cleveland Indians. McCann said that he didn’t notice anything wrong with Tanaka, just that “his pitches didn’t have the same action that they did in the past.” Tanaka went to the coaching staff after the game and said that his arm did not feel well. (SIA Profile)
The obvious concern now is whether or not will require the increasingly prevalent Tommy John surgery. Should that happen, it would almost undoubtedly scuttle any hopes New York has of postseason contention. The Yankees have been depending on Tanaka for a win every fifth day, with so much of the rotation in flux and the offense unable to consistently provide runs.
The Yankees said that any further news on Tanaka would emerge after the team doctor, who is currently at a conference in Seattle, examines him. Another doctor at the conference, the infamous Dr. James Andrews, will also most likely examine him. Dr. Andrews is most commonly associated with players who require Tommy John surgery.
The recent McCarthy trade and release of Alfonso Soriano seemed a signal that Brian Cashman was ready to make moves and turn the team into a winner, but now the team lacks a true ace. Even if Tanaka is able to pitch again this year, depending on how much time is given to an assuredly sup-par replacement pitcher, it may be too late. It remains to be seen if Cashman will bite the bullet and begin to sell off pieces, or continue to try to emerge from an AL East that has failed to produce a clear leader.
Tanaka was elected to the All-Star Game last week, but will not be able to attend as an eligible player. Koji Uehara of the Boston Red Sox will take his place.
For more on sports injuries, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
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