Are we worried Tanaka doesnt know how to get ML hitters out? I can see rehabbing in the minors if you need to build stamina for 0 to 5+ inning range after missing extended time, but unless he's on a 50 pitch count why isnt he pitching here instead of Scranton tomorrow? We get very little length from our starters as it is. It's a waste of a Tanaka start to have him in AAA. Whatever the pitch count those pitches are better served on the mound for us. I just have never understood this process.
CYA with the MLBPA. Bring a guy back without a low pressure rehab and he blows up the arm, shoulder, knee, etc. Then face a big lawsuit. Its also likely due to insurance policies and claim coverages.
...yeah, and there's no sense starting Tanaka or someone else who is rehabbing when you know that the BP will have to finish the last 6-7 innings which makes Joe's job much harder.
Kinda difficult to get much length and give the BP less work if he, or any other rehabbing SP is scheduled to throw 45 pitches. lol