Masahiro Tanaka has been cleared by the New York Yankees to increase his throwing progam as he attempts to return to the mound by the end of the season.

The right-hander has a slightly torn ligament in his pitching elbow.

Tanaka, who has been sidelined for nearly two months, played catch Tuesday and reported no problems.

He will throw a bullpen session later in the week, though Joe Girardi declined to reveal which day it would occur.

In 18 starts, Tanaka was 12-4 with a 2.51 ERA this season.