The already thin Yankees rotation could be in for some more pain.
Masahiro Tanaka left Saturday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays during the sixth inning after taking a hot shot off his right leg. Tanaka had thrown just 88 pitches to that point, allowing just three hits (no walks nor runs), and didn’t return with what the team announced was a right shin bruise.
X-rays administered during the matinee came back negative; Tanaka appeared to scream as he made his way to the dugout.
Tanaka (3-3) has seen his role heighten with Luis Severino (lat strain) and James Paxton (knee inflammation) battling back from injuries.