Despite Rough Outing, Yankees' Sabathia Says He's Happy With His Progress
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- CC Sabathia got shelled on Sunday, but said he'd take the trade-off in a heartbeat.
The veteran left-hander told the New York Post location was his problem in the 6-0 loss to the Mets, not a lack of velocity, something the Yankees' have been concerned about since the 2013 season.
Sabathia hit 94 mph on the radar gun during his 2 2/3-inning stint, his second outing of spring training as he works his way back from a knee injury that limited him to just eight starts last season.
"There is definitely a lot more life than in the past couple of years,'' Sabathia said. "It's an extra pitch I can use. I feel a lot better, I can worry about getting my command down and hitting my spots and going from here.''
Sabathia's fastball had routinely dipped into the upper 80s during a 2013 season in which he finished 14-13 with a then-career-high 4.78 ERA. In the limited time he saw the mound last season, the 34-year-old southpaw had nothing resembling the heat he's shown this spring.
"He is catching up, the arm speed is encouraging,'' Yankees pitching coach Larry Rothschild said. "He was good to the glove side; arm side not very good. If he is encouraged, I am encouraged. I think he will get on a run and pitch the way we have seen him pitch.''
Sabathia gave up three home runs on Sunday, albeit one was of the inside-the-park variety after outfielder Jose Pirela slammed into the wall, and later said he's still trying to work out his mechanics after such a long period of inactivity.
"I have to work on my delivery, my cutter wasn't that good today, couldn't get it for a strike and couldn't get it away from lefties,'' Sabathia said. "The changeup was straight.''
However, Sabathia said overall he sees more positives than negatives.
"I said to Larry (Rothschild) that I felt a lot better than I did last spring,'' Sabathia said. "I would rather get my (butt) kicked like I did today than give up no runs and felt like I did last year.''
Sabathia, who is 208-119 with a 3.63 ERA in 423 career starts, likely will not be the Yankees' opening day starter, the Post reported.
