TANAKA TO THROW FIRST BULLPEN

The first big step was when Masahiro Tanaka threw for 34 minutes on flat ground. That was Tuesday.  Now comes bigger news.

According to Chad Jennings of LoHud:

"Masahiro Tanaka probably will throw his first bullpen session of the year on Thursday at the New York Yankees’ minor league complex...

'We’ll bring him along as his arm will dictate,' (Larry) Rothschild said. 'I’m not going to push it. As things crop up, if we need to deal with them we will. Right now, I’m just looking at him as a guy that we’re going to bring along according to how his arm will allow us. I’m approaching it that he’s a healthy pitcher that we just need to be aware of what the history is there.'”

Today's Thursday.

Look, this is a small nugget, but significant.  We need Tanaka healthy. He will set the tone.  If he isn't and say, CC Sabathia struggles, those are 2 big horses we are without.  Let's hope these guys can anchor the club.  We need a turnaround this season.

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