ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. _ It was more progress for Masahiro Tanaka.
The right-hander, on the disabled list since June 9 with strains in both hamstrings, threw 60 feet on flat ground for a second straight day Friday, upping his total tosses from 16 to 22. Watched by Aaron Boone, pitching coach Larry Rothschild and trainer Steve Donohue, Tanaka also played long toss in the outfield. "Another step along the way," Boone said.
The manager said Tanaka will throw his first bullpen session Sunday and stay in Tampa when the Yankees head to Philadelphia after Sunday afternoon's game at Tropicana Field. Tanaka, who is 7-2 with a 4.58 ERA in 13 starts, will throw another bullpen session Tuesday and, barring a setback, likely will pitch in a simulated game by week's end.
"I think he's progressing well," Boone said. "Today was another step along that way."
On June 9, general manager Brian Cashman gave a rough estimate of a month for Tanaka's recovery.
Jonathan Loaisiga, the 23-year-old right-hander brought up from Double-A Trenton to take Tanaka's rotation spot, is 1-0 with a 3.12 ERA in two starts.
