Masahiro Tanaka
After an outing against the Cleveland Indians on July 8, the fourth of the original five starting rotation pitchers was put on the disabled list. Masahiro Tanaka, who was a most valuable asset to the Yankees and an All-Star, complained about feeling discomfort in his pitching elbow to the Yankees. As a result, Tanaka was flown to New York City from Cleveland to get an MRI. He was quickly sent to Seattle to get examined as the most efficient doctors were all engaged in a meeting in Seattle. It was announced that Tanaka had partially torn his collateral ligament in his right elbow. None of the doctors who met with Tanaka suggested Tommy John surgery and instead a more subtle rehab was suggested for the pitcher. This would take six weeks to complete before returning to the mound. Masahiro Tanaka was leading the Majors in wins. He was also on pace to contend for American League Rookie of the Year, the American League Cy Young Award, and possibly even the American League MVP. With the injury, Hiroki Kuroda was the last standing starter and became the Yankees ace.