Yankees: Masahiro Tanaka and Tommy John

Ivan Nova (Photo credit: Keith Allison)

Yankees Ivan Nova, Mets Matt Harvey, Rays Matt Moore, Diamondbacks Patrick Corbin, Braves Kris Medlen, Mets Bobby Parnell, Rangers Martin Perez, and now Yankees Masahiro Tanaka can be added to this list.

The names above are just a few recent pitchers who suffered a partial ligament tear in their throwing elbow; and minus Tanaka, all ended up needing Tommy John surgery.

But the Yankees claim that it was recommended by doctors that Tanaka would try to repair his partial tear with an injection and rehab over the next six weeks.

Look, we all know that Tanaka’s injury is the worst conceivable blow the Yankees could have imagined to happen, as the season is now in major jeopardy.

But is that a reason to delay the inevitable?

Just ask Harvey, who wanted to avoid the operating table at all costs. But like as in most cases, he ended up needing Tommy John surgery, which has kept Harvey, sidelined for the all the 2014 season.

Mets GM Sandy Alderson explained why rehabbing an injury like Tanaka’s is a risk as, “There will always be the open question, given a partial tear, how long that ligament will hold up.” (more…)

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