After New York Yankees rookie ace Masahiro Tanaka took the Major Leagues by storm the first three months of the season, July has not been too kind to him.
On Wednesday, it was announced that the All-Star righty would be placed on the disabled list due to right elbow inflammation.
This news came after he flew back to New York in order to get an MRI after his start in Cleveland on Tuesday. The Indians rocked him for a season-high five runs in 6 2/3 innings.
Prior to this outing, he allowed four runs in seven innings against the Minnesota Twins in his first start in the month of July.
The nine runs he has allowed this month (in two starts) equals the total he gave up all last month. In June he threw 37 innings across five starts, reports Sporting News.
This season, Tanaka is 12-4 with a 2.51 ERA. He has recorded 135 strikeouts and has issued only 19 walks. He has given up 15 home runs in 129 1/3 innings, according to MLB.com.
Tanaka was named to the American League All-Star team and appeared to be in the running for having the honor of starting the game. Due to Tanaka’s injury, his spot on the All-Star team has been filled by Boston Red Sox closer Koji Uehara.
Uehara, 39, is making his first All-Star Game appearance in the MLB. He is the sixth oldest player to be making his first All-Star Game, according to Yahoo Sports.
Uehara has 18 saves this season in 19 chances and has posted a 1.50 ERA. He has allowed just six walks in 41 2/3 innings.
The All-Star Game is July 15 at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.