New York Yankees right-hander Masahiro Tanaka was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to inflammation in his right shoulder, the team said Saturday.

The move was made retroactive to Thursday, a day after Tanaka felt discomfort in his shoulder while pitching four-plus innings against the Toronto Blue Jays. The 28-year-old can come off the list on Aug. 20 at the earliest.

"Looking at myself in the mirror, I thought it would be difficult to take the mound in my best condition so I talked to (management) about it," said Tanaka, who last went on the DL in April 2015 with right wrist tendinitis and a strained forearm.

"I think I am getting better. I don't think I will be out for a long time."

Tanaka is 8-10 with a 4.92 ERA in 23 starts this season. He joined the Yankees in 2014 after spending seven years with the Rakuten Eagles in Japan's Pacific League.