Yanks skip over CC
Don’t call it a demotion — not yet, anyway.
The Yankees are skipping veteran CC Sabathia’s spot in the rotation on Sunday, with the hope a few extra days of rest can get the struggling southpaw back on track. Before the Yankees’ 75 12inning victory over the Rays at the Stadium on Friday, manager Joe Girardi said Sabathia is “working on some things,” such as a cut fastball the team feels is improving to the point it can be a weapon against righthanded hitters, who have shellacked him this season to the tune of a .329 batting average and .937 OPS.
Sabathia, however, was unwilling to discuss the adjustments he’s making.
“Don’t ask me what I’m working on,” he told reporters at the outset of a brief interview session.
Ivan Nova will start in Sabathia’s place Sunday with Nathan Eovaldi going Tuesday against the Athletics before Sabathia is scheduled to return to the rotation Wednesday — nine days after his last start.
Girardi said the 34yearold Sabathia’s health isn’t an issue — he has had surgeries on his left elbow and right knee — but he has thrown 95 innings, so giving him a breather played a role in the deci sion. Left unsaid was by giving Sabathia, 38 with a 5.59 ERA and 1.40 WHIP, until Wednesday to get back on the mound, it will be his only start before the AllStar break. Sabathia has been a weak link in the rotation, outpitched by Adam Warren, who was recently moved to the bullpen when Nova came off the disabled list.
In his 16 starts this season, Sabathia has allowed less than three earned runs just five times and has given up 19 home runs, tied with former Yankee Phil Hughes for the most allowed by any starting pitcher in the American League. Only Rockies righthander Kyle Kendrick has given up more in the majors, with 23 long balls. Sabathia actually pitched fairly well in his last start, allowing four runs through 7 ¹/₃ innings in a 41 loss to the Angels in Anaheim on Monday.
Sabathia toed the company line on the matter for the most part, but when asked how he feels about missing his scheduled start, he said: “It is up to them. Whatever they think is best is the schedule that I’m following.”
“It’s a break that I probably need, I guess. Take a step back, look at some things, try to be ready on Wednesday.”
“It’s a good to get a break for my body, for sure.”