Masahiro Tanaka is finally set to come to the US.
The Japanese right-hander, signed to a seven-year, $155 million contract by the Yankees last month, received a work visa Tuesday and is expected to leave for spring training Sunday, according to reports from Japan.
The Yankees had hoped the 25-year-old would arrive before pitchers and catchers are due to report in Tampa on Feb. 14 so he has a full spring training to prepare for his first season in the majors. They have yet to decide when and where Tanaka will be formally introduced.
He has been working out in Sendai, and told reporters Thursday he is in better shape than at this point in other seasons.