Masahiro Tanaka is expected to make a minor league rehab start this week and then could rejoin the rotation in Baltimore.
“That’s the best-case scenario,’’ GM Brian Cashman said of Tanaka pitching on the next road trip. “After his rehab start, if everything goes well.”
Tanaka’s return could spell the beginning of the end of Jonathan Loaisiga’s time as a starter this year, since he was limited to 32 innings a year ago.
“We’re well aware of Loaisiga being here ahead of his development program,’’ Cashman said. “It’s certainly something he and [Domingo] German have to follow.”
Alex Rodriguez was at the Stadium, where he was part of the ESPN broadcast. He also serves as a special adviser to Cashman.
Cashman said he doesn’t have a problem if Rodriguez is critical of the Yankees on TV.
“He’s being paid a lot more money by them to give strong opinions than he is being paid by us,’’ Cashman said. “I think Alex is wearing a lot of hats. He’s now transitioned from being an excellent Major League Baseball player to obviously being a dominant force in the business world. With that comes a lot of areas pulling at his time. We’re excited and happy to have him in our fold as a contributing member. He’s a man of many talents.”
Rodriguez spent part of the game autographing items tossed into the broadcast booth by fans.
Greg Bird’s resurgence didn’t last long.
The first baseman, who homered twice Friday and sat against lefty Chris Sale Saturday, went 0-for-4 in Sunday’s win. He grounded out and whiffed against David Price and is 2-for-19 with seven strikeouts against southpaws this season.
Brandon Drury’s pinch-hit single in the eighth was his first hit in the majors since April 1. Drury went 5-for-13 to start the season before falling into an 0-for-10 funk that led to him being sidelined with migraines and blurred vision. He returned to the Yankees on Friday after losing his third-base job to Miguel Andujar.
Aaron Judge homered for the third time in five games and the Yankees improved to 8-1 against lefty starters since May 25.
Since June 6, Dellin Betances has held opposing batters hitless in 29 straight at-bats, with 19 strikeouts, five walks and a hit by pitch.
The international signing period begins Tuesday and the Yankees have roughly $5 million in pool money.
“Donny Rowland and his staff do a good job,’’ Cashman said of the team’s director of international scouting. “You are always looking forward to adding [talent].’’
Boone was asked about how the first half of the season has gone as a rookie manager.
“It’s all new in a way, but I don’t think anything has been overwhelming,’’ Boone said. “There are challenges every day, time management and tough conversations with guys. But all in all, I love the job. I love the organization. I love the clubhouse and our players.’’
