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.