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.

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