TORONTO — A physical exam before Masahiro Tanaka signed with the Yankees unearthed a bone spur in his right elbow that dated to his days pitching in Japan, but hadn’t been an issue.
In two seasons of pitching for the Yankees, the $175 million investment never made it an excuse. After an end-of-the-season MRI revealed the size of the spur had increased, Tanaka told the Yankees he wanted it removed.
On Tuesday, Tanaka underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove the spur. The operation typically takes six weeks from which to recover.
“When we signed him, the MRI showed an old bone spur. This year he never complained,’’ general manager Brian Cashman said of Tanaka, who missed five-plus weeks with tendinitis in his right wrist and tightness in his right forearm, one year after suffering a slight tear in his right ulnar collateral ligament. “There were no complaints all year. Then last week Tanaka said he wanted it removed.’’
Bone spurs in pitchers’ elbows are common, and the surgery performed by Dr. David Altchek isn’t considered major.
“It’s not a complicated procedure, and if you are going to have it, October and November is the best time,’’ Cashman said. “Get ahead of it and be ready for spring training.’’
While the spur is not major, it’s the third problem with Tanaka’s expensive right arm, but marks the first time he underwent surgery.
He missed 2 ½ months of the 2014 season due to a small tear in his right ulnar collateral ligament that ruined his chances of being the AL Rookie of the Year and Cy Young winner. After being examined by three doctors, a rehab program was recommended over Tommy John surgery.
While he remained the Yankees’ ace and started the AL wild-card game against the Astros which the Yankees lost 3-0, Tanaka was not as electric as he was before getting hurt in 2014.
In 24 starts, he was 12-7 with a 3.51 ERA. He is 25-12 with a 3.16 ERA in 44 big-league starts.
Tanaka being ready for spring training in February isn’t unrealistic, because CC Sabathia underwent the same procedure in October 2012 and was ready at the beginning of spring training.
What is worrisome for the Yankees is Tanaka’s lengthening medical history two years into a seven-year deal that pays him $155 million. The Yankees had to pay Rakuten, Tanaka’s team in Japan, a $20 million posting fee to secure the his rights. Tanaka turns 27 on Nov. 1.
The UCL tear, despite not being surgically repaired, remains an issue simply because it could tear further. The tendinitis came and went, and his forearm strain healed. However, there are cases in which a strain in that area often is the precursor to Tommy John surgery. It’s not known if the spur played a role in Tanaka’s UCL tear or forearm strain.
Tanaka’s surgery further clouds a muddled Yankees’ rotation that saw all five starters spend time on the DL this season. Only rookie Luis Severino and Adam Warren avoided injury among pitchers who started at least one game for the Yankees.
Sabathia, currently in a rehab facility while battling a drinking problem, missed time with an inflamed right knee. Michael Pineda was on the shelf with a strained right forearm. Ivan Nova didn’t pitch until June 24 because he was returning from Tommy John surgery while Nathan Eovaldi didn’t pitch after Sept. 5 due to an inflamed right elbow.
