KANSAS CITY -- Set to throw another bullpen Monday in Washington D.C. (Yankees play the Nationals two games this week), Masahrio Tanaka, if all goes well, will then likely throw in a rehab start in the minor leagues on Thursday.

Manager Joe Girardi said Sunday that the bullpen will be around 30 or so pitches.

"Just a normal bullpen," Girardi said. "

The bullpen, he said, it something he doesn't have to watch and can leave up to pitching coach Larry Rothschild. He'd know better than him anyway, Girardi said.

Tanaka will then either throw in Trenton or Scranton (Double-A vs. Triple-A), as both teams are home that day. Girardi said he doesn't know which one Tanaka would go to.

"That's probably a decision that Brian will make," Girardi said, referring to GM Brian Cashman.

In four starts this season Tanaka 2-1 with a 3.22 ERA. An MRI in late April revealed a slight strain in his right forearm after he complained about slight wrist pain after a bullpen that was otherwise normal.

Tanaka was shut down for about 10 days following it and has slowly been working his way back. He's thrown several times since, the latest a bullpen in Kansas City on Friday, and said he feels fine. Tanaka missed several months last season with a small ligament tear in his elbow but said he doesn't believe this year's injury is connected to 2014.

Ryan Hatch may be reached at rhatch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ryanhatch. Find NJ.com on Facebook.