Yankees to Activate CC Sabathia From IL to Start Sunday's Game
By Sean Facey
The Yankees are set to get one of their key rotation members back from injury.
Veteran southpaw CC Sabathia will be activated from the injured list to start in New York's Sunday game against one of his former teams, the Cleveland Indians.
CC Sabathia will come off the IL on Sunday. Upcoming rotation is opener, Tanaka, Paxton, Sabathia. #yankees
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) August 14, 2019
The 39-year-old Sabathia, who's set to retire at the end of this season, landed on the IL thanks to inflammation in his right knee that ultimately required a cortisone injection.
Knee injuries have been brutal for the famously large Sabathia, especially this year. They've forced him to the injured list on multiple occasions in 2019.
The year hasn't been kind to the 19-year veteran on the bump either. He's pitched to the tune of a 4.78 ERA through 17 starts, and his 5.92 FIP suggests that he's actually been pretty lucky. The long ball in particular has been his weakness, as he's allowed 24 home runs, the third-most in any season of his career, and just 4 shy of tying his career high.
We’re excited to announce the #LegaCCySweeps with @IfOnlycom today! Enter to fly to NYC to celebrate @CC_Sabathia’s last year—attend the #LegaCCy Gala, 2 Legends tickets to game, watch batting practice, and more! All proceeds support our mission. https://t.co/tKNWWfcMti pic.twitter.com/GWqv95IPct
— PitCCh In Foundation (@PitCChInFdn) August 12, 2019
But through his struggles, he's still been a key part of an otherwise shaky rotation. Not enough can be said about the leadership role he plays both for the starting staff and the team as a whole.
He brings a fire to the Yankees that is vital to their success here in the final weeks of the playoff push. Getting him back to full health is just what this team needs as they turn their eyes towards October.