NEW YORK, N.Y. - Masahiro Tanaka threw 35 pitches Wednesday in his second bullpen session as he tries to return to the New York Yankees this season. The injured rookie from Japan threw fastballs, breaking balls and five splitters at Yankee Stadium. He said he felt a little rusty, but his elbow is healthy and now its just a matter of rebuilding arm strength and getting sharp. "It was a good day," Tanaka said through a translator. "The elbow is fine now. Im more looking towards playing in a game now. But that said, even that said, I think I do have to be cautious about the elbow." Tanaka went on the disabled list July 9 with a partial ligament tear in his right elbow and had a platelet-rich plasma injection. New York hopes he can avoid Tommy John surgery and return to the rotation next month. The right-hander threw 25 pitches in his first bullpen session last Saturday and might have another one before moving on to batting practice. After that, it would be a simulated game and then a rehab game. No more MRIs are planned. "So far, so good. I mean, every step has been positive for him and thats obviously the way we hope it continues to go. But each step, he increases intensity, and Im sure BPs will be a little bit more intense than bullpens," manager Joe Girardi said. "The fact that he felt good today was encouraging. See how he feels tomorrow, obviously, is really important, but he was able to throw his curveball, his slider and his split, and I watched it and it looked pretty good." Tanaka is 12-4 with a 2.51 ERA in 18 starts. New York began the day four games out of a playoff spot with 39 to play. In other news, slumping Carlos Beltran was out of the lineup against Houston because of discomfort in his troublesome right elbow, which has bothered him for much of the season. Beltran was scheduled to be examined by a doctor Wednesday evening. "Im not really sure what it means. Hopefully, its just a day or two," Girardi said. Derek Jeter was the designated hitter instead of Beltran, with Stephen Drew set to start at shortstop. Cam Newton Jersey .Y. -- The Buffalo Bills will head into the regular season short on experience at quarterback after trimming the roster on Friday. Cheap Carolina Panthers Jerseys . -- LaMarcus Aldridge returned to the Trail Blazers lineup, happy to know that things didnt go awry without him. http://www.cheapcarolinapanthersjerseysa...scarlett-jersey. Rookie Marek Mazanec made 39 saves for his first NHL victory and the Predators beat the Chicago Blackhawks 7-2 Saturday night. Greg Little Jersey . Price was hurt at the start of Wednesdays practice after facing just one shot as the team worked on their power play. He left the ice in discomfort and appeared to be favouring his leg. A Habs source told TSNs John Lu that Price suffered the injury in Sochi and not before the Olympics. Christian Miller Jersey . Therrien would not confirm his lineup for the game, but he did have the same line combinations practicing together for the third straight day which is usually a pretty good indication of what the lineup will be.With the series even at 2-2, Game 5 between the Toronto Raptors and New Jersey Nets at the Air Canada Centre on Wednesday should be quite the event. TSNs Jack Armstrong offers his thoughts on the series so far. 1. Improved Offence: Though the Raptors struggled mightily in the second and third quarters, they were impressive in the first and fourth and overall took much better care of the ball and exhibited better shot discipline. That must continue against an outstanding defensive opponent. Got the ball swung to the weakside and made the defence shift enough to get quality looks and just seemed less rattled and a little more sure of what they wanted to accomplish per trip. Still room for lots of improvement and theyll need it; will take the Nets best punch so far in this series on Wednesday. 2. Defensive Details: Much better job guarding the ball straight up and limiting straight-line drives and easy paths to the paint. Have to stay sound and stop closing out on perimeter guys out of control and going for pump fakes that lead to drives. Better job here. Really worked hard to contest shots. Help was very good in the fourth quarter and the rotations and communication were sound. 3. Red Alert: Game 5 and youre all even. Needless to say the pressure and excitement will be there for both sides. It comes down to this the next 48+ hours: which team stays focused better on the task at hand? Which team really locks in better on the game prep and the subtle adjustments you have to make perr game? Do you stay true to your fundamental habits and execute them? At this point, youve played each other eight times already so theres no secrets.dddddddddddd Whos going to be better and can sustain the edge? Lastly, with all the hype/hoopla surrounding you, are you able to maintain your poise/composure and get at the task at hand. Not easy for either side yet this is what makes the games so much fun. 4. Joe Johnson: Raptors did a nice job getting the ball out of his hands and making him work for his shots. No Landry Fields and in spite of John Salmons not scoring, his effort was outstanding in this matchup. He fronted him at times in the mid/low post and whomever was guarding Johnson stood their ground better and the help/double came quicker and harder. An absolute must in Game 5. Hell be looking to make a statement early and often to re-establish himself. 5. Raptors Square: What a scene! Believe me. NBA folks along with players and agents take notice of whats going on outside the ACC and compare it to the level of passion/interest they see in the other 29 NBA markets. Were in the recruitment and retention business; every little bit helps gain the upper hand on your opponent. The level of passion and love for the sport that people see from fans all across Canada right now will help Raptors ownership and management in so many ways continue to improve the organization on many fronts. You the fans are making your own statement. Keep it up. Thanks! 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