Girardi hoping Tanaka can start Saturday

TORONTO — Yankees right-hander Masahiro Tanaka is expected to see team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad on Tuesday when the club returns home from an 11-game road trip, manager Joe Girardi said Monday.

Tanaka was initially slated to start Monday’s series finale against the Blue Jays, but an MRI exam last week revealed a small flexor mass strain in his right forearm and the ace was skipped in favor of Luis Severino.

If Dr. Ahmad determines Tanaka is good to resume baseball activities, Girardi said Tanaka could throw a bullpen session Wednesday or Thursday before potentially starting Saturday against the Orioles.

“I think that’s my hope, that he’s able to make his next start and that it’s not an issue,” Girardi said. “But that will be up to what the doctor thinks.”

Tanaka complained of tightness in his forearm following Wednesday’s start against the Rays, in which allowed a career-high four home runs. The 27-year-old has not picked up a ball since, but has been receiving regular …

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