The New York Yankees have confirmed that they are planning to use C.C. Sabathia in game three of their ALDS matchup against the Detroit Tigers. This would rule out the Yankees running Sabathia back to the mound Sunday on short rest.
After last night’s rain delay, some speculated that Sabathia may try and return to the mound for game two Sunday, but, for the time being, the Yankees have decided to push Sabathia back to Monday.
Other than the solo shot he surrendered to Delmon Young, Sabathia looked fairly sharp last night. C.C. threw 20 of his 27 pitches for strikes, allowing only the one hit while striking out four Tigers over his two innings of work. Sabathia also logged 48 warm-up pitches during last night’s rain delay, factoring into the Yankees decision.
Following Friday’s suspended contest, Sabathia said he would try to talk his manager into giving him the ball Sunday. For his part, Yankees skipper Joe Girardi didn’t think it would be the right thing to do in this situation.
This afternoon, general manager Brian Cashman confirmed that the Yankees would not turn to Sabathia for game two, instead opting to push the big left-hander back to Monday.
As things line up now, Doug Fister will face off against Ivan Nova Saturday, Max Scherzer would take on Freddy Garcia Sunday and original game one competitors Justin Verlander and Sabathia would go on Monday. Of course, if the Yankees drop game one today, they could have a quick change of heart.
For more on the Yankees, be sure to check out Yanks Go Yard.