The Yankees will start Masahiro Tanaka on Sunday.
Even with their playoff hopes dimming, the Yankees would like Tanaka to pitch again to help clear up his future.
If Tanaka does need the operation, he will be out at least a full year. If that is the case, the Yankees would prefer that Tanaka be completely clear of his rehab going into 2016.
So this is not the Yankees going for a last play-off push. It’s a test of the arm in game conditions to see if it will hold up to the stress. Worst case, he has the surgery early in October and has a year and a half to work his way back.
Yankee playoff hopes are long gone. I’m watching strictly to see if they can score a run or two.
It’s a little horrifying to realize that, in a sense, they’re *hoping* Tanaka’s arm blows up. If it doesn’t, aren’t they going to be tempted to just have him rest and continue therapy in the off season rather than do the TJ surgery? Not a fun decision process for anyone involved.