New York Yankees: 7 Important Needs for the Second Half

4: Masahiro Tanaka’s Right Arm

Jun 3, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka (19) throws out a pitch during the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

This is potentially the most important one on the list. Tanaka has been battling injuries since 2014, his most recent being forearm tightness. Since the day he has stepped on the field, he has been one of the best pitchers in the league (when healthy of course).  He insists his arm feels good and has been great since returning from the DL, but Yankee fans can’t help but think, “when will he get hurt next?”.

Michael Pineda has taken the “ace” title well and has been a great pitcher for the Yankees, but if they want to make a run into the playoffs, they will need Tanaka to be healthy.  If Tanaka and Pineda are healthy, that would be a nice 1-2 punch going forward.

Next: 5: Ivan Nova's Right Arm