Masahiro Tanaka Leaves Yankees and Could Miss Sunday Start After Wife Gives Birth
By Ryan Flores
The New York Yankees may not have Masahiro Tanaka for his next start, but the reason is entirely joy-based.
On Friday, it was reported that Tanaka left for New York from Toronto, as his wife gave birth to their second child, which leaves his status for Sunday's start against the Cleveland Indians up in the air.
Masahiro Tanaka is not currently with the team... he flew back to NYC... his wife gave birth to a baby girl earlier today. May not start Sunday as expected #yankees
— Meredith Marakovits (@M_Marakovits) June 7, 2019
Tanaka has yet to be placed on paternity leave, but that remains a huge possibility. While this is wonderful for Tanaka and his family, it leaves the Yankees in a bit of a bind, as they will be without a fifth starter, and may have to consider a bullpen game.
Masahiro Tanaka’s wife gave birth to the couple’s first daughter today in NYC. Tanaka left for NY from Toronto yesterday. Had been scheduled to start series finale here in Cleveland on Sunday. Nothing yet on who would start for Yanks that day.
— Pete Caldera (@pcaldera) June 7, 2019
If anything, Masahiro will miss the maximum three games that he could miss, and will eye a start on Monday, when the Yankees begin a Subway Series at home against the New York Mets.
Congratulations on the birth of your child, Masahiro! Take all the time you need.