Yankees' Tanaka throws 3 innings in simulated game

TAMPA, Fla. -- New York Yankees right-hander Masahiro Tanaka has thrown 48 pitches over three innings in his first simulated game since being sidelined three weeks by a strained right and left hamstring.

Tanaka faced minor leaguers Friday at the Yankees' spring training complex in Tampa, Florida. He struck out four during the hitless outing.

When asked how it went, Tanaka said "very good" in English.

"I was able to throw with force and use all my pitches," Tanaka added through a translator "So, I feel good about it."

He was 7-2 with a 4.58 ERA in 13 starts before getting hurt June 8 while running the bases in a game against the New York Mets.

Tanaka doesn't know his next step. It's possibly a minor league rehab game next week and rejoining the Yankees before the All-Star break in mid-July.