NEW YORK — For the second time in less than a week, an overflow crowd of New York media and Japanese reporters filled a minor league stadium’s press box to watch a Masahiro Tanaka rehab start.
The New York Yankees are hoping it is the last time or that if it’s not, the next instance will be the final time.
The reports that the Yankees got from McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island did not detail any physical issues. Manager Joe Girardi said after Wednesday’s 4-2 win over the Royals that the start will be examined more in-depth at some point Thursday before deciding the next step for Tanaka, who has been on the disabled list since April 29 with a right forearm strain and tendinitis in his right wrist.
As for the start itself, Tanaka went three innings and allowed three runs and four hits. He threw 44 of 62 pitches, struck out four and walked two while his velocity reportedly peaked at 92 and stayed in the range of 89 to 92.
On the websites of two New York tabloids (The New York Post and Newsday), headlines used the words “mediocre fastball” and “shaky second rehab start”
As for what Tanaka also said, he indicated his arm felt fine but didn’t sound certain about returning to the Yankees next week.
“Obviously I would have to see how I feel the next day,” he said through a translator. “It’s something that I’ll talk with the manager, the trainer, coaches and make that decision.”
Tanaka had his rough patches, loading the bases in the first before using his slider to get a strikeout. In the second, Tanaka gave up a home run on a 0-2 splitter to Red Sox prospect Jackie Bradley Jr.
“Obviously I wasn’t at my best,” Tanaka said. “I was missing some spots and giving up some hits.”
The next time Tanaka talks about his performance, the Yankees hope it will be in a major league game. For now, they’ll wait and see what the next step is.