THE FINAL FEW

Quinnen Williams pulls in at No. 4 on Top 20 Jets list Tanaka working way back to hill

Masahiro Tanaka was out on the field early Monday, throwing on flat ground. The right-hander has been working through the MLB concussion protocol for the last eight days after he was hit in the head by a line drive on the very first day of workouts.

Boone said that they have a target date for Tanaka to throw off the mound, but did not reveal it.

“I have a potential throw date, but he’s doing well,” Boone said. “I mean, he ramped up a little bit more today. He was out there obviously throwing again today. I think he got a lower body workout in today and continues to respond the right way with the added workload. So we’re encouraged but again, just also making sure we go slow and smartly with it.”

Still, with less than 10 days until Opening Day and just under two weeks until Tanaka’s expected spot in the rotation would come up, time is running out to get him ready.

“I mean, it depends what you define ready. I mean, obviously he’s not going to be built up very much,” Boone said. “I’m kind of a step at a time right now with Masa. I mean, he’s getting to the point where the next step will be getting on the mound and seeing how it responds from the side.

“And then when is he able to face hitters?”

Tanaka came into this rebooted training camp as the Yankees’ projected third starter, behind Gerrit Cole and James Paxton. After injuries plagued the rotation last season, the Bombers used Chad Green as an opener very successfully. Coincidentally, they are using Green in the opener role tonight in an intrasquad scrimmage.

They have also used Jonathan Loaisiga as a spot starter. On top of that, the Yankees also have three of their top young arms in camp and have been using them in interesting roles. Mike King and Clarke Schmidt have been getting long looks as starters. Deivi Garcia has been given chances in what look like relief spots.

King made his Major League debut last season out of the bullpen and has more professional experience than Schmidt. He looks like a frontrunner for that spot, if Tanaka is not ready.

HELP ON THE WAY?

Boone was mysteriously vague when asked about DJ LeMahieu and Luis Cessa on Monday. Both had tested positive for the coronavirus at their homes before traveling to New York for spring training 2.0.

“Maybe,” Boone said with a smile when asked if he had any idea when they could report. He would not go any further.

LeMahieu, who was arguably the Yankees MVP last season, was asymptomatic and was working out in his native Michigan this weekend with another Major Leaguer who had yet to report to his camp. Cessa told ESPN last week he was over his mild symptoms and was eager to get back to work.

The Yankees have also had one positive COVID-19 test in the week since they reconvened in the Bronx. Closer Aroldis Chapman tested positive on Thursday and is quarantining.

NO COLE FOR METS

Gerrit Cole will throw on his regular day, Friday, missing the Subway Series exhibition game.

“There’s a little strategic way he and I talked about it a little bit today. I think we just value having that (extra day of rest) going into his first start of the year, which will obviously be in Washington,” Boone said.

The Yankees will use Jordan Montgomery against opener Green in the intrasquad scrimmage tonight.