The start of the New York Yankees‘ 2016 season has been a nightmare, and things got worse Friday when the team announced starting pitcher CC Sabathia was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a groin strain. It’s unclear when he’ll return to the field.
Continue for updates.
Sabathia Comments on Recovery Timeline
Saturday, May 7
Sabathia told reporters he should only need 15 days on the disabled list, adding he’s unsure whether a rehab start will be necessary.
Sabathia’s DL Stint Retroactive to May 5
Friday, May 6
The Star-Ledger‘s Ryan Hatch relayed the news. In a corresponding move, the Yankees reportedly called up relief pitcher Phil Coke, per Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
Sabathia Crucial to Yankees’ Rotation
Although the Yankees have sputtered to the tune of an American League East-worst record of 10-17 to start the season, Sabathia has been one of the team’s few bright spots.
After spending time in an alcohol rehabilitation center during the offseason, per USA Today, following a lackluster 2015 campaign, Sabathia kicked off 2016 on the right foot with a win on his first start of the season, against the Detroit Tigers.
While two losses and a no-decision followed that outing, Sabathia rebounded with a great game Wednesday against the Baltimore Orioles. The 35-year-old struck out six batters and allowed just six hits over seven innings, as the Yankees shut out their divisional foe. The start seemed to provide the team with an emotional boost.
“It felt great, and it all starts with CC,” Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner said after the team snapped its six-game losing streak, according to the New York Post‘s George A. King III. “After the game it felt like we clinched a playoff spot.”
But now Sabathia’s on the shelf, the Yankees will need to lean on Masahiro Tanaka, Michael Pineda and Nathan Eovaldi to shoulder the load.
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