Right-hander Masahiro Tanaka is slated to throw batting practice for the first time since injuring his elbow in July, Yankees manager Joe Girardi revealed on Thursday.

Girardi said his first-year right-hander would pitch BP at Yankee Stadium on Saturday.

"Each step he increases intensity," Girardi said. "I'm sure BP will be a little bit more intense than bullpens."

On Wednesday, Tanaka threw all of his pitches in a 35-pitch bullpen, his second since going on the disabled list on July 9 with a slight tear in the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

He didn't throw at all on Thursday. After pitching BP, he is expected to pitch at least one game in the minors, with the Yankees hoping to have him back sometime in September.