Yanks glad to put ball in CC’s hands
CC SABATHIA will get the ball for the Bombers in Game 5. Sabathia will oppose likely 2017 Cy Young award winner Corey Kluber, who was rocked by the Yankees for six runs on seven hits over 2.2 innings in Game 2. Sabathia, on the other hand, was very effective in Game 2, throwing 5.1 innings of four-run ball.
The 37-year-old lefty was pulled after throwing just 77 pitches before the bullpen surrendered a five-run lead.
Joe Girardi said before his team’s 7-3 victory in Game 4 that he likes Sabathia’s experience.
Sonny Gray, who struggled in Game 1, could be used in relief, Girardi added.
Sabathia, the former Indians southpaw, went 14-5 with a 3.69 ERA during what was a Renaissance 2017 regular season.
JETER POACHES DENBO
In a move that had been widely expected for a while, Yankees VP of player development Gary Denbo is leaving the Yankees to join Derek Jeter’s Marlins, the Daily News confirmed on Monday.
Denbo was Jeter’s first minor-league manager in 1992. The two are extremely close. Denbo will serve as Miami’s director of player development/-amateur scouting.
The Marlins are also interested in Jim Hendry, who is a special assistant to Brian Cashman, according to the Miami Herald. Given Jeter’s Yankee ties, along with the fact that several team executives’ contracts are expiring, it’s certainly plausible that others could join The Captain in Florida.
Denbo oversaw a minor-league system that quickly ascended to one of the best in the game. Youngsters Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez, Greg Bird, Luis Severino and Jordan Montgomery have all had great seasons for the Yankes in 2017.
Denbo, 56, had been in his most recent role with the Bombers since 2014.
Yankees designated hitters have failed to get a hit in the ALDS, while Matt Holliday, who struggled mightily in the second half of the year, has failed to get even an at-bat.
Chase Headley went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in Game 4.
“Sure, sure, I’d like to be out there,” Holliday told The News when asked if he’s frustrated with no playing time. “But, just be ready in case there’s a situation where they think it’s right.”
RESTED PEN
Taxed relievers Aroldis Chapman, Chad Green and David Robertson all got the evening off, with Severino going deep in Game 4 and Tommy Kahnle pitching the final two innings following Dellin Betances’ eighth-inning debacle.
They will also have today to rest prior to Wednesday’s do-or-die Game 5.