VIDEO: Masahiro Tanaka's Latest Tweet Proves He's Already Throwing off Mound Following October Surgery

Masahiro Tanaka was an All-Star for the New York Yankees in 2019, but finished the year with a 4.45 ERA and had to have surgery in October to remove bone spurs from his elbow. Spring Training is rapidly approaching, and a recent video shared by Tanaka seems to show him ready to go for the 2020 season.

Tanaka had surgery to remove a bone spur from his elbow in October. Certainly a good sign that he's throwing off a mound already. https://t.co/Xmndj60HUX
— River Ave. Blues (@RiverAveBlues) January 19, 2020

That looks like any other pitch Tanaka would throw during a game, and that is a great sign for Yankees fans.

The starting rotation is already stacked with the addition of Gerrit Cole this offseason. Getting a healthy Tanaka back could add another elite arm to the group. Some sort of production is needed prior to October, considering his $23 million salary in 2020.

Masahiro Tanaka getting ready to report to camp next month ??pic.twitter.com/M6Kalutf67
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) January 13, 2020

2020 is a contract year for the pitcher, and taking some time to heal this offseason could mean a big year for him after likely pitching through pain throughout 2019.

He will need to get his game back to postseason levels during the regular season this time around.