TAMPA, Fla. -- New York Yankees ace Masahiro Tanaka threw five scoreless innings in a simulated game against minor leaguers Monday as he continued his effort to return from a small ligament tear in in his right elbow.

His next stop?

It could be in the Bronx, starting for the Yankees this weekend.

Masahiro Tanaka threw 65 pitches during a five-inning simulated game Monday. He allowed six hits and had four strikeouts, saying he hit 92 mph with his fastball. AP Photo/Bill Kostroun

"I do feel I'm closer to being game-ready," Tanaka said through his translator.

Tanaka said he did not think a decision on whether he will start for the Yankees this weekend would be made until Tuesday after he sees how his arm reacts and he consults with manager Joe Girardi and pitching coach Larry Rothschild.

Girardi sounded as if he is ready to see Tanaka in a major league game.

"The next step, it is very possible he could be in a game for us," Girardi said. "To be fair, we have to see how he is tomorrow."

Girardi indicated the Yankees may give Tanaka an extra day of rest prior to the start, hinting that Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium could be the date.

On a 90-plus degree Monday afternoon at Steinbrenner Field, Tanaka rehabbed with Girardi and Rothschild watching every one of his 65 pitches. The Yankees face the Rays in St. Petersburg on Monday night.

At times, the unknown minor leaguers seemed to have a beat on many of Tanaka's pitches, amassing six hits, including two doubles. Tanaka, who had four strikeouts, said his fastball maxed at 92 mph.