Contract no issue for Tanaka
BALTIMORE — Masahiro Tanaka’s miserable start to 2017 was surprising to the Yankees. “I’m sure he’s dying to get out there,” Joe Girardi said of Tanaka, who will start on Saturday against the Orioles at Camden Yards. “I can say in the three years that he’s been here, it’s probably the most unusual start I’ve ever seen him have.”
Tanaka, who can opt out at season’s end, gave up a career-high seven earned runs in just 2.2 innings. According to ESPN Stats & Information, he gave up five hits courtesy of his usually devastating splitter.
“Mentally, you want to go out there as quickly as possible, get some positive results and move forward,” Tanaka said.
The Daily News reported on Friday that the Yankees wouldn’t be inclined to pursue a costly, longterm extension with Tanaka if he opts out. The 28-year-old righty is currently pitching with a partially torn UCL, which could potentially blow at any second.
“I said this from the first day of spring training, that I understand what the contract says, but it has nothing to do with how I perform out there on the mound,” Tanaka said. “It seems like I’m just repeating myself, but it doesn’t affect me. I’m just focused on playing baseball and getting the season going.”
Joe Girardi said he did not see anything from Tanaka that would lead the manager to believe that the opt-out clause might be a distraction.
“I hope it’s not because he’s in a pretty good situation either way,” Girardi said.
KAPRIELIAN’S STATUS
Top pitching prospect James Kaprielian was going for an MRI after reporting pain in his right elbow. Kaprielian missed essentially all of last season due to a flexor tendon injury in the same elbow.
Kaprielian was evaluated in Tampa, Florida by Yankees team orthopedist, Dr. Daniel Murphy, and underwent an MRI and dyecontrast MRI.
The imaging results have been shared with Yankees team physician, Dr. Christopher Ahmad.
Kaprielian is scheduled to receive further evaluation and consultation by Dr. Neil ElAttrache in Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon.