The one thing the New York Yankees could not afford to have happen is an injury and an injury to a starting pitcher. At this point in the season, the Yankees have lost three of their original starting pitchers and could be losing another in the next few weeks. Ace Masahiro Tanaka has officially been placed on the 15-day disabled list as New York fears it could be for longer.
Tanaka has been the star of the Yankees and the MLB since stepping on the mound for his first season after getting signed out of Japan. However, his season is now at risk after he complained of elbow inflammation. The Yankees have placed him on the disabled list and will send him to get an MRI as the situation could turn into Tommy John surgery or a torn ulnar collateral ligament. So far New York has declined to detail the exact severity of the injury.
Tanaka's injury comes after CC Sabathia was lost for the season after he suffered a setback with a lingering knee injury. They also lost Ivan Nova to Tommy John surgery and Michael Pineda to a muscle strain in his back. The Yankees are now in a major hole with pitching depth. They did trade for Brandon McCarthy from the Arizona Diamondbacks, but will need another player to help fill in as Tanaka's season is in jeopardy.
The MLB trading period is heating up so New York must make a move if they are going to acquire an arm that will keep them in the hunt. After already spending a large amount of money on position players, the Yankees have no plans for this season to go to waste. So who is available?
The Yankees could try and strike a deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. They have been quietly shopping both Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee during the trading period. The New York Post suggests AJ Burnett as an option if New York is at all interested in bringing the veteran back. Ian Kennedy's price has dropped and could be an easy get. While it is unlikely, David Price could be an option but an expensive one.
For now, the Yankees will rely on young arms until they decide the best move to make. Tanaka's injury should be more clear in the coming days leaving New York to either rush for a trade or trust that their current depth can hold them over until the pitcher's return.
