Yankees' Tanaka passing every rehab test 'with flying colors'

Masahiro Tanaka's rehab is going about as well as the New York Yankees could have hoped.

The right-hander has been sidelined with a Grade 1 forearm strain and tendinitis in his right wrist since April 28 but completed a 35-pitch bullpen session Friday without any issue.

"Everything he's done, he's passed with flying colors," Girardi told Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News. "Obviously the intensity gets turned up when you get into games at this level, but so far, so good."

The Yankees believed Tanaka would be sidelined for roughly a month following the original prognosis and that timeline appears to be holding true. Though the 26-year-old said he expects to be able to begin a rehab assignment as soon as Thursday, he's taking everything in stride.

"Just trying to not look too far ahead," Tanaka said. "Just kind of taking it day by day."

Losers of four straight, the Yankees could benefit from Tanaka's return sooner than later. Right-hander Chase Whitley is likely headed for Tommy John surgery and Ivan Nova isn't expected back until late June or early July.