New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka last pitched during the American League Wild Card game last season. He was just recovering from a hamstring injury before eventually facing against the Houston Astros.

Tanaka and the Yankees ended up losing against the Astros, leading to an early exit in the 2015 MLB playoffs. He finished his injury-riddled second season in the Bronx with a 12-7 record, 3.51 ERA and 139 strikeouts.

The Yankees then revealed last Oct. 21, 2015 that the 27-year-old pitcher underwent surgery to remove a bone spur in his right elbow. General manager Brian Cashman said that the Japanese ace will be ready just in time for spring training.

"It's not a complicated procedure, and if you are going to have it, October and November is the best time," Cashman said.

Impressive Spring Debut for Tanaka

Tanaka looked good in his return to the mound this Sunday against the Philadelphia Phillies. Even though the Yankees ended up losing 6-5, the right-hander pitched two shutout innings. He only allowed two hits and one walk while ended up striking out two batters.

"I'm pretty satisfied with how I pitched. Just to see how I feel the next day is important. Mechanics is also a thing I'm aware of, and hitting my spots. I do feel I can be back to that form because it feels better," Tanaka said through a translator.

Catcher Austine Romine provided two doubles and was responsible for three out of the five New York runs batted in. The team's young second baseman Rob Refsnyder was impressive in his stint at third base. More notable showings could land him a spot in the Opening Day Roster.

Yankees Opening Day Starter

The main goal for Tanaka is to be named the Yankees' Opening Day starter against the Houston Astros on April 4. However, team manager Joe Girardi wants to see the Japanese ace's work during spring training before officially naming his Opening Day starter.

"He started Game 1 of the playoffs for us, so the idea is that he's our No. 1 starter. But you've got to see how he does, where he is physically," Girardi said. "To me, the most important thing is that he feels good tomorrow."

Tanaka pitched an average speed of 88 mph with two balls reaching the 92 mph mark. Even though his velocity is still the same, his cutter and splitter are still his best pitches, resulting to swinging strikeouts in the game against the Phillies.