Yankees place Masahiro Tanaka on disabled list

NEW YORK — Masahiro Tanaka's rough season hit another low point on Saturday as the Yankees placed the right-hander on the disabled list with right shoulder inflammation.

The Yankees recalled righty Giovanny Gallegos from Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre as the corresponding roster move. 

Tanaka was scheduled to pitch Monday against the Mets at Yankee Stadium. Manager Joe Girardi wasn't ready to name a spot starter before Saturday's game, but said Luis Cessa and Bryan Mitchell are possibilities. 

But Mitchell threw two innings in relief on Saturday, which could take him out of the equation. 

Tanaka, who's 8-10 with a 4.92 ERA through 23 starts, last pitched on Wednesday at Toronto, allowing three runs (two earned) on two hits in four innings. But he also issued five walks and needed 88 pitches in the brief outing.

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On Thursday, Tanaka told Girardi and the team's training staff that he was experiencing more fatigue in the shoulder than usual the day after making a start. 

"I felt some extra soreness there after the outing in Toronto," Tanaka said through an interpreter.

Tanaka and Girardi said they expect this to be a short DL stint.

"I think our plan right now is to rest it for a little bit, couple of days and then just get back on the program," Tanaka said. "I’m not looking to be away for a long time."

Tanaka didn't undergo any tests.

"You can MRI every pitcher and you’re going to find inflammation somewhere, that’s the bottom line," Girardi said. "So we decided he needs a break."

Still, this was another setback in a arduous season for Tanaka, who can opt out of his contract after the season.

Tanaka has struggled for most of the year, looking nothing like the ace the Yankees hoped he would be. The 28-year-old was brilliant three starts ago when he threw eight innings of one-run ball against the Rays after carrying a perfect game into the sixth inning. 

But dominant starts like that one have been rare.

"It’s obviously frustrating having to miss time especially where we’re at making a playoff push," Tanaka said. "I know this is going to be a relatively short time off. I believe that time off will get me back stronger and get me back on track."

Tanaka is the second starter the Yankees have placed on the DL in as many days after CC Sabathia was sidelined with right knee inflammation on Friday.

Email: iseman@northjersey.com