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Girardi says it's 'very possible' Tanaka's next outing will be for Yankees

Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

It feels like Masahiro Tanaka has been "nearing a return" from a partially torn elbow ligament for weeks. 

But after his latest step in the intensive recovery process – a five-inning simulated game on Monday – it's looking increasingly likely that the Yankees' rookie ace will indeed be back on the mound before season's end. At least, that's what Yankees manager Joe Girardi would have you believe. 

There was a good deal of skepticism around the league when, after the tear was revealed, Tanaka and the Yankees declared their plan to shun surgery and go the rehab route. 

With just 14 games left in the regular season and the Yankees' playoff hopes all but dead, the prudence of that course of action is still up for debate.  

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