CC Sabathia Throws On Flat Ground

Yankees righthander CC Sabathia has had two stints on the disabled list this season, once in June with a groin strain, then again last week with an elbow injury that was originally defined as just “tightness”. Clearly, the Yankees want to keep their ace ready and healthy for the postseason.

He’s beginning work on coming back:

Sabathia said left elbow felt good after throwing off flat ground for first time since going on DL Sunday. Still expects to pitch Aug. 24.

— Dan Martin (@DanMartin_Post) August 16, 2012

So this DL stint will last the minimum time, 15 days; the previous one lasted a bit longer, from June 27 till right after the All-Star break. And yet, the Yankees keep going without their ace: they went 10-6 the first time he was on the DL, and since this stint began, they’re 7-1 with about a week remaining until he pitches against the Indians.

Not fair, say the other teams, but the Yankees just keep on going.

For more on the Yankees, please visit Pinstripe Alley and SB Nation New York.

CC Sabathia Injury: Elbow Sends Yankee Ace To DL

CC Sabathia Returns To Rotation Tuesday Night

CC Sabathia is the New York Yankees' best pitcher.

Sabathia hasn't pitched since the 24th of June.

The Yankees won that game, pushing their record to 43-28. Still, their lead in the American League East over the second-place Baltimore Orioles was merely 2½ games.

Look! There it is! The opening everyone's been waiting for! Especially with Andy Pettitte out of action too!

Since the 24th of June, the Yankees have gone 12-6. They've now got a massive nine-game lead in the East, and can essentially coast to yet another division title.

Which isn't to suggest the club won't be glad to have Sabathia back; if nothing else, he should have plenty of time to return to form in time for October.

But the Yankees aren't perfect. Andy Pettitte's still on the mend from his broken ankle, and isn't expected back until September. Meanwhile, left fielder Brett Gardner hasn't played since the middle of April ... and now there are worries that his elbow injury will cost him the rest of this season.

But of course the Yankees don't really seem to have missed anyone this year. They're not at full strength. But they're still plenty strong enough.

CC Sabathia Prepares For Yankee Return July 17

Yankees lefthander CC Sabathia suffered a strained adductor near his left leg and hasn’t pitched since June 24, eventually landing on the disabled list.

He’s just about ready to return to action, and expects to start July 17. Bryan Hoch:

“I’ll be ready. I feel pretty good,” Sabathia said. “My arm feels great, I haven’t felt the injury. I would assume that I’ll go out and be ready to go.”

Sabathia said that he expects to throw about 60 pitches in a simulated game on Friday at Yankee Stadium, which would put him in line to get back into the Yankees’ starting five to face the Blue Jays in the Bronx.

Since Sabathia’s last appearance the Yankees have gone 9-5 and increased their lead in the AL East from 2½ games to seven games. Cause and effect? Probably not; manager Joe Girardi will surely feel better with his top pitcher back in the rotation.

For more on the Yankees, please visit Pinstripe Alley and SB Nation New York.

CC Sabathia Injury: Groin Strain Shelves Yankees Ace

CC Sabathia will miss two weeks and a pair of starts after hitting the DL with a groin strain.