Could Yankees' Masahiro Tanaka make first start on July 31?

Less than three weeks after New York Yankees right-hander Masahiro Tanaka was struck in the head by a line drive off the bat of teammate Giancarlo Stanton, the 31-year-old starter is on the verge of being cleared to return to in-game action.

Per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN), Tanaka tossed about 20 pitches during batting practice on Tuesday without the use of a protective screen. He is scheduled to throw again this coming Sunday and could then be given the ball for a July 31 showdown with the division-rival Boston Red Sox.

"If everything comes out OK, I should be ready to go," Tanaka reportedly told reporters through a translator.

Tanaka was taken to a hospital after he was hit by the line drive during a July 4 simulated game. (Warning: Some may find footage of the incident disturbing.)