Yanks sending CC to see Dr. Andrews

tween starts. But I didn’t feel it on the field.’’

General manager Brian Cashman decided to send Sabathia to Andrews because he knew Sabathia never would complain about an injury following a poor postseason outing.

“He would never say anything in that context,’’ said Cashman, who didn’t seem overly concerned about his ace seeing the doctor.

Sabathia said the swelling wasn’t the reason the Tigers beat him 81 in Game 4 of the ALCS when the Yankees were swept out of the postseason. Sabathia, who delivered a completegame, fourhit gem against the Orioles in a deciding Game 5 of the ALDS, gave up six runs (five earned) and 11 hits in 3 ²/₃ innings to the Tigers.

“It’s in the same spot,’’ Sabathia said of the inflammation, which is located on the inside of his left elbow.

Based on the way he pitched in eight games after returning from the DL, Sabathia appeared to have the situation under control with ice and treatment. He was 33 with a 2.93 in those eight games. In the final three regularseason starts he was 20 with a 1.50 ERA, allowed 13 hits in 24 innings and whiffed 28. A strong indication Sabathia wasn’t bothered while on the mound was he walked just four batters combined in those three starts. An arm problem with a pitcher normally results in a lack of control.

He allowed two runs and eight hits in 8 ²/₃ innings against the Orioles in Game 1 of the ALDS and delivered one of the best postseason performances in history in Game 5.

Since leaving Cleveland during the 2008 season, Sabathia has worked 1,035 ²/₃ innings in the regular season and 110 frames in the postseason.

Durability never has been an issue with Sabathia. Before going on the DL twice this year (a late June groin strain shelved him for three weeks), Sabathia hadn’t been on the DL since 2006. That was because of an oblique strain. He has hurled 200 or more innings in each of the past six seasons.

Sabathia, who posted a 156 record and 3.38 ERA in 28 games this season, is signed through 2016 and has $99 million remaining on his contract. There is a vesting option for 2017 worth $25 million.

With freeagent starter Hiroki Kuroda unsure if he will return, the uncertainty of Ivan Nova, Andy Pettitte being 41 if he returns and prospect Manuel Banuelos having Tommy John surgery, it is vital for Sabathia to be healthy.