CC Sabathia’s Knee Has Been A Factor For Longer Than We Thought

May 4, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia (52) pitches in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

It has been a struggle for the Yankees’ former ace CC Sabathia within the last year. He has been battling an on and off again knee problem that has effected his starts tremendously, and has even landed himself a spot on the disabled list with a degenerating cartilage as of May 11th. His right knee problem could explain why he hasn’t pitched the way that he has wanted to over the last season.

Before being placed on the DL, Sabathia had made eight starts this season and compiled a 3-4 record with a 5.28 ERA. Those aren’t Sabathia like numbers, and this knee problem could be that huge factor. In fact, many people are skeptical that his injury has lasted a lot longer than he has been on the disabled list for.

The Yankees main concern is to get him back as soon as possible because the starting rotation is aching for someone to fill one of those important spots. With Vidal Nuno being inconsistent, having Sabathia in the mix would really strengthen that pitching rotation.

He has been making a lot progress over the last couple weeks. Sabathia threw about 35 pitches to live hitters a few days ago. Tonight, he will have his first rehab start, which is a huge step in the right direction. Girardi said Sabathia will need to make a couple more rehab starts after tonight to work back up to the high pitch counts that he’s used to throwing. If all goes well, the Yankees can have him back before they know it.