WASHINGTON — With a 29-pitch bullpen session completed without a physical issue Masahiro Tanaka’s next step toward coming off the disabled list is likely Thursday.
Though Tanaka’s teammates rested Monday, the right-hander threw to make sure the right wrist and forearm issues wouldn’t interfere with him starting a minor league rehab assignment for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre or Double-A Trenton.
It was Tanaka’s fourth bullpen workout since going on the disabled list April 29 with wrist tendinitis and a slight strain in the forearm.
Last week Tanaka said he didn’t believe throwing batting practice, which is the usual step between bullpen sessions and pitching in games, would be necessary.