C.C. Sabathia Available to Pitch in Game Five

The New York Yankees have confirmed that starting pitcher C.C. Sabathia is available out of the bullpen for tonight’s game five matchup with the Detroit Tigers.  Sabathia last pitched for Yankees Monday night in the club’s 5-4 game three loss.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi confirmed that everyone on his staff is available for Thursday’s pivotal game five, including game three and four starters Sabathia and A.J. Burnett.  While Burnett would only be called on in extreme emergency, Thursday will be Sabathia’s normal throw day and the big left-hander could be used behind scheduled starter Ivan Nova.

Sabathia, who has never made a relief appearance in his professional career, has been instructed to ‘lace em up’ in case the Yankees are in need of his services tonight.  Just three nights ago, Sabathia threw 106 pitches over his 5.1 innings of work.

Some would argue that it would be silly to use Sabathia when you have a bullpen that’s considered to be a team strength.  If Sabathia does pitch Thursday night, he would likely be unavailable for game one of the ALCS.

At the same time, some would argue that you have to win tonight’s game before you can worry about the next round.  If Nova gets shelled early, maybe Sabathia gives the Yankees the best opportunity to win by providing an inning or two of middle relief, bridging the gap to New York’s late-inning guys.

Whatever the case, many will be focusing their attention on the home bullpen tonight, watching for Sabathia to show any signs of warming.  Last night, the Phillies were in a similar situation with starting pitcher Cliff Lee.  Lee did begin warming up late in the game, but quickly sat down after getting some throws in.

I wouldn’t be surprised if we see more of the same tonight from Sabathia and the Yankees.

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