‘Slight’ forearm strain costs Tanaka next start

ST. PETERSBURG — The Yankees announced they will skip Masahiro Tanaka’s next scheduled start after the American League’s ERA leader underwent an MRI exam on Thursday that revealed a small flexor mass strain in his right forearm.

Tanaka complained of some tightness following his start on Wednesday, during which he served up a career-high four home runs in an 11-5 victory over the Rays. Tanaka’s next start was to come on Monday against the Blue Jays in Toronto.

“It’s very disappointing; we’re making a push,” Tanaka said through an interpreter. “This is a very important time for us. This is definitely not the time you want to skip anything.”

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that the club expects to have Tanaka return to make one final start this regular season. Had this been earlier in the year, Girardi said that he does not believe Tanaka’s injury would have necessitated a stint on the disabled list.

“I don’t want to alarm people, and don’t take this like doom and gloom; he’s got in his flexor mass a slight, slight, slight strain,” Girardi said. “Now, every time you hear ‘flexor mass’ people automatically assume that it’s the ligament. It’s not by the ligament; it’s way down low [by the wrist].

“He’s not going to pick up a ball for five days, and hopefully …

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