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Tanaka throws simulated game, return this weekend is 'very possible'

In his latest simulated game, Yankees right-hander Masahiro Tanaka threw 65 pitches across five innings against minor leaguers at the team's spring training complex. It was his highest intensity throwing session since suffering a partially torn elbow ligament in July.

Following the simulated game, Tanaka told reporters he feels fine physically but is rusty, which is to be expected. Pitching coach Larry Rothschild was impressed nonetheless. From Chad Jennings of the Journal News:

“I thought he was good,” Rothschild said. “I said all along if he comes out of it healthy, it’s good. You could see he really tested it to make sure that he could throw the ball the way he wants, and he threw the ball pretty well. … Not [focused on] the hits or anything, just the stuff. The arm action and things like that. It’s been a while since he’s been able to get out there and throw to that extent and with that much force. As the game went on you could see, the last inning he was dialed up and threw the ball the way that we’ve seen him throw it this year.”

Manager Joe Girardi told reporters it is "very possible" Tanaka will start for the Yankees this coming weekend rather than throw another simulated game. They will wait to see how he feels in the coming days and consult with the training staff before finalizing any plans.

Both the Yankees and Tanaka have insisted they want him to pitch in an MLB game or two before the end of the season. If the ligament is going to blow out and require Tommy John surgery, they want to know now rather than next April. The Yankees are essentially out of the postseason race, so they aren't concerned about results. They just want to test the elbow.

Tanaka, 25, went 12-4 with a 2.51 ERA and a stellar 135/19 K/BB in 18 starts and 129 1/3 innings before getting hurt.

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