Sabathia To Take Next Step, Throwing Off Mound To Come Next Week

May 4, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia (52) sits in the dug out after giving up five runs and leaving the game in the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

A big boost could be on the way for the Yankees as C.C. Sabathia, who could begin throwing off of a mound as soon as next week. Manager Joe Girardi said “CC’s been playing catch,”  “He did a little bit of flat ground (Wednesday) and hopefully when we get home next week I can possibly get him on a mound.” as reported by Brendan Kuty of NJ.com. Sabathia has only been playing catch from a chair up until this point. He has been on the DL since May 13th with a knee injury.

Sabathia received cortisone and stem cell injections into his knee, which had been affected by degenerative cartilage. That condition caused pain, swelling, and fluid to build up in the knee, Sabathia’s knee has since been drained.

Chase Whitley has been impressive filling in for Sabathia with a record of 2-0 and a 2.41 ERA. Look for the struggling Vidal Nuno to be removed from the rotation when Sabathia does in fact return. Sabathia is 3-4 with a 5.28 ERA this year, and has handed the title of staff ace over to rookie Masahiro Tanaka.