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Yankees think Tanaka injury could be blessing in disguise

By Rucker Haringey

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 17: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees throws prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on June 17, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 17: Masahiro Tanaka #19 of the New York Yankees throws prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on June 17, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /
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Masahiro Tanaka’s injury absence has been a challenge for the Yankees, but ultimately the team may benefit from his absence from the rotation.

Aaron Boone never wants to see a member of his starting rotation go down to injury, but he’s willing to look at the bright side of Masahiro Tanaka’s time on the DL. In the end, Boone thinks it might allow his Japanese hurler to be a better pitcher when October arrives.

Tanaka feels like he can make an immediate return to the Yankees rotation, but he’s slated to make a rehabilitation start in Scranton/Wilkes Barre on Wednesday night instead. He hasn’t made an appearance for the team since being injured running the bases back in early June.

Boone thinks Tanaka will benefit from his time on the shelf. The veteran has shown the ability to handle a heavy workload throughout his career, and the Yankees will need him to pitch big innings during the second half of this season. Getting approximately a month of rest to recharge could pay big dividends for Tanaka down the line.

Of course, that will require Tanaka to make a full recovery. That’s why the Yankees are so insistent that he spend some time making rehab starts before he comes back to the Bronx. There’s a clear temptation to bring him right back to the majors, but Boone and company are smart to take the long view. Pushing him back too soon could ruin his ability to return this year.

Tanaka’s injury has also benefited the Yankees by forcing several young pitchers to step up and show their ability to contribute. Both Jonathan Loaisiga and Domingo German received significant opportunities in Tanaka’s absence. Neither has been able to nail down a permanent start in the rotation to date, but both have upped their value both with the Yankees and other teams who might be interested in acquiring him ahead of the trade deadline.

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No matter how Boone spins it out, there’s no question he’s anxious to get Tanaka back on the mound in the Bronx. His return to the rotation will allow the Yankees to slide their other pitchers back in their proper place. That will give the team the pitching firepower they need to make a credible run at the AL East crown.

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