Yankees 2019 starting rotation report card

C.C. Sabathia

The Yankee fan-favorites final season in the Bronx had much of what one would expect. Some highs, some lows and some IL stints.

Over the final 22 starts of his illustrious career, Sabathia went 5-8 with a 4.95 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP. Aside from an injury-shortened 2014 season, 2019 marked C.C.’s highest ERA as a Yankee.

The big man started strong in his final campaign, sporting a 3-1 record with a 3.48 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP over his first eight starts. In his other 14 starts? How about a 2-7 record with a 5.86 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP.

Sabathia started the season on the IL due to his recovery from heart surgery. He made his debut on April 13 but would go back on the IL three separate times throughout the remainder of the season.

As has been customary in Sabathia’s career, he provided an immeasurable spark as an emotional leader in the Yankee clubhouse. Perhaps no ending is more fitting than CC making an appearance in Game 4 of the ALCS and throwing three pitches to George Springer with a separated shoulder.

Verdict:

A warrior (no insult to Paul O’ Neill) until the very end, C.C. Sabathia was a leader from his 2001 debut at the age of 20, right until the final pitch that he threw to Springer. From a performance perspective, his 2019 can be classified as One-Third “Good” and Two-Thirds “Bad.” He also missed significant time due to injury.

The Grade: C