After a scare early in Summer Camp, Masahiro Tanaka will be making his season debut on Saturday for the New York Yankees. On July 4th, he was struck by a 112 mph come-backer in the head off the bat of Giancarlo Stanton.
Following the injury, Tanaka was sent to New York-Presbyterian hospital for testing. His tests came back clean and was diagnosed with a mild concussion by team staff.
The second-longest tenured Yankee rested for just a few days before being eased into a throwing program. He continued to workout with the team, but was sent to the alternate training site in Scranton once the team hit the road.
Tanaka is finally ready to go in what will be his contract year. He needs to make a good impression in this short season for the Yankees to resign him, if he is still interested.
The Japanese born right-hander had an up-and-down 2019, but managed to sneak onto the all-star team. He ended with an 11-9 record and a 4.45 ERA, but had some struggles in the second half of the season.
Saturday won’t be easy for Tanaka as they face the rival Red Sox in the Bronx. Although Boston is off to a rough start, beating the Red Sox never comes easy.
JA Happ will make his season debut on Thursday in the series finale against the Orioles. Jordan Montgomery will open the Red Sox series on Friday, while James Paxton gets the ball for Sunday night baseball against Boston.
The Yankees will make-up games against the Phillies beginning next Monday.