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Yankees News: C.C. Sabathia To Wear a Knee Brace in 2015

By Michael Cambria

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New York Yankees work-horse C.C. Sabathia revealed for the first time Friday that he’ll be wearing a protective brace on his surgically repaired right knee for the duration of the 2015 season.

Manager Joe Girardi was asked to provide his reaction to the revealed news.

“Whatever he needs to do,” Girardi said in his office at George M. Steinbrenner Field in warm and sunny Tampa, Florida.

Sabathia, who’s still on the comeback trail from season-ending knee surgery, told reporters after his encouraging 41-pitch bullpen session earlier that morning that he’s healthy and ready to continue his spring training routine.

“No problems. I am still working on the cutter and changeup,” Sabathia told George King III of the New York Post. “I definitely like where I am at. I am not feeling pain and moving forward. I feel great.’

Skipper Joe Girardi backed up his veteran pitcher, who made just eight starts in 2014 and pitched to career lows in 2013. He admitted Sabathia’s knee is still a concern, but that he’s liked the 34-year-old lefty’s progress so far.

"“We’re taking it slow with him,” Girardi said. “Knowing that we don’t really think he’s behind and he’s got plenty of time. We’re just not rushing it. Because of his knee, and we want to take it step-by-step. I’ve said all along you’re really not going to know until we get into the season and he’s going every fifth day,” he said. “We don’t know what his leg is going to do. I’ve said all along it’s a concern of mine. The fact that he’s wearing a brace or he’s not wearing a brace doesn’t concern me anymore. If they feel he’ll stay healthier wearing the brace, I would say, wear the brace.”"

The Yankees coaching staff is well aware that C.C. Sabathia may no longer be the ace he once was, but they’re still counting on him to provide stability and leadership to the Yankees rotation in 2015. He’ll join Masahiro Tanaka (UCL-tear) and Michael Pineda (shoulder inflamation) as serious health concerns surrounding the Yankees rotation.

Sabathia is scheduled to throw one more bullpen session before throwing live batting practice this spring.

What’s your take on Sabathia and his knees brace? Let us know in the comments below.

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