Report: Yankees' Tanaka could make spring debut March 12

The New York Yankees could find out as soon as next week how Masahiro Tanaka's wonky elbow responds to game action.

Marly Rivera of ESPN Deportes reported Wednesday the 26-year-old right-hander will probably make his Grapefruit League debut March 12 when the Yankees host the Atlanta Braves at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Tanaka, who opted to forego surgery after being diagnosed with a partially-torn ulnar collateral ligament in July, faced lived hitters for the first time this spring Monday and evoked praise from manager Joe Girardi following the 25-pitch outing.

"I thought he looked good," Girardo told told reporters. "He's right where we want him to be."

Tanaka's troublesome elbow sidelined him for roughly 10 weeks last season, his first in the major leagues, but the Japanese import recently said he made mechanical adjustments to his delivery this winter in order to protect his elbow.

"I don't think they were solid," Tanaka told Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan through interpreter Shingo Horie. "With the right mechanics, the right form, the right balance, you're able to throw a solid pitch. It's not about how much power you can put on the throw. It's more about the mechanics. That's what I believe."