Yankees LHP Sabathia Hoping For Strong Return In 2015
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - CC Sabathia threw his first outdoor bullpen session Saturday, and hopes to be on a mound a lot more this season.
The 34-year-old lefty was hobbled by a degenerative cartilage problem in his right knee last season and was done after having surgery in July.
``It's a bum knee,'' Sabathia said with a smile. ``But it feels good right now. It's something I'm excited about this spring.''
Sabathia had the knee checked Friday, and will receive injections and fluid drainage as needed.
``I didn't see him favor it,'' manager Joe Girardi said. ``As I've said all along, I think you really have to get into the rigors of throwing 100 pitches, throwing every fifth day.''
The six-time All-Star and 2007 AL Cy Young Award winner made only eight starts last year and finished 3-4 with a career-worst 5.28 ERA. He is 208-119 with a 3.63 ERA in 14 seasons.
``Not being able to play last year was tough,'' Sabathia said. ``I was sitting at home all summer and watching these guys play, it was hard. I have a lot to prove. Come back healthy, trying to help this staff and team.''
(Copyright 2015 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
