Masahiro Tanaka has been diagnosed with a partially torn UCL in his throwing elbow.

The right-hander has dodged Tommy John surgery for now, but the New York Yankees will be without their new ace for at least six weeks.

Tanaka was examined by three orthopedic surgeons and all three agreed on the same diagnosis.

They also concurred on the same course of treatment -- a platelet-rich plasma injection, followed by an exercise regimen and throwing program that could get Tanaka back on the mound in six weeks.

"That's our hope," Cashman said. "The ligament tear is considered small, and we have had success with pitchers that have had these, we have actually had them continue to throw without incident and they have gotten back to their normal levels."

If the rehab plan fails, Tommy John is a possibility.