MLB

Nathan Eovaldi, Yankees pitcher, still has inflamed right elbow

New York Yankees right-hander Nathan Eovaldi still has inflammation in his sore right elbow and won't be able to resume throwing until next week, manager Joe Girardi said Monday.

Righty won’t resume throwing until next week

Yankees' starter Nathan Eovaldi still has inflammation in his right elbow and won't resume throwing until next week. Manager Joe Girardi says it's becoming less likely Eovaldi would return to the starting rotation should the team make the post-season. The team’s most effective and consistent pitcher this season, Eovaldi is 14-3 with a 4.20 earned-run average this season. (Steven Ryan/Getty Images)

Yankees right-hander Nathan Eovaldi still has inflammation in his sore right elbow and won't be able to resume throwing until next week, manager Joe Girardi said Monday.

New York had hoped Eovaldi might be able to rejoin the rotation if New York reaches the playoffs, but Girardi acknowledged that prospect is less likely.

Girardi said he hopes Eovaldi will be available to pitch in relief about one week after he is able to resume throwing.

Eovaldi, who is 14-3 with a 4.20 earned-run average in 27 starts, hasn't pitched since Sept. 5 against Tampa Bay. Two days later, an MRI confirmed inflammation in his elbow.

Eovaldi allowed eight runs and 13 hits over 10 1/3 innings in two starts before his injury was diagnosed.

Right-hander Masahiro Tanaka, who has a strained right hamstring, did conditioning drills and played catch at Yankee Stadium on Monday.

New York hopes he can return next week after missing Wednesday's scheduled start against the American League East-leading Toronto Blue Jays. Ivan Nova will start in Tanaka's place against Toronto.