While Masahiro Tanaka's elbow has proven to be a non-issue for the New York Yankees, his wrist is a different story. The pitcher has been a big bright spot for the Yankees this season, but a recent injury is causing some concerns with the rotation. As players like CC Sabathia continue to struggle, losing Tanaka could force the Yankees to make tough decisions for the coming months.
General manager Brian Cashman announced via ESPNNewYork.com that Tanaka would be placed on the 15-day disabled list due to tendinitis in his right wrist. This injury comes after Tanaka battled concerns over his injured elbow after opting out of Tommy John surgery in the offseason. New York has been trying to remain extra cautious with the pitcher who has excelled in his last two starts with the team. Cashman made it clear that they did not expect the wrist injury to be a lingering issue later in the season.
For now, the Yankees are replacing Tanaka with Chase Whitley, but he is not a long-term answer. New York is hopeful that Tanaka's replacement is not yet with the team. Starters Ivan Nova and Chris Capuano are likely the two player New York is thinking about as both are expected to return from the disabled list within the month.
According to CBS Sports, both Nova and Capuano are on schedule to return as planned. Nova is expected to be back in June after undergoing Tommy John surgery while Capuano is expected back in mid-May after suffering a strained right quad in spring training. Both pitchers will certainly help boost the Yankees' rotation with certain injuries and struggles plaguing them at the moment.
The Yankees could make a trade to help the rotation, but according to the New York Post, that is unlikely. New York could easily attempt to make a deal for players like Johnny Cueto, Cole Hamels or Jordan Zimmermann before the deadline to add another starter. The Yankees have been linked to Hamels in the past as he would be an easy get with the Philadelphia Phillies desperate to move him. However, the Post reports the Yankees are not interested in giving up much considering the players that are about to return to health.
