Sabathia to make rehab-start Saturday:
As we saw the New York Yankees allow so many power-hitters go in the off-season, we suddenly realized the new strategy: dominant pitching, great defense and timely hitting. This strategy has yet to take-shape and injuries have been a major reason why.
Injured starter C.C. Sabathia is scheduled to make his first rehab-start for Single-A Tampa on Saturday. He is schedule to throw around 40 to 45 pitches in this first stint. Recently, Sabathia threw two-innings in a simulated game at the Tampa-facility.
Manager Joe Girardi said this following the simulated two-innings: “Everything came out well. Obviously, you’re curious to see how he feels tomorrow, but he felt it was successful,” according to NJ.com.
Sabathia last pitched for the Yankees on May 11th, and up until that point was one of the worst pitchers in the game statistically with a poultry 5.28 ERA through eight starts, according to MLB.com. Still though, considering Vidal Nuno’s numbers and Chase Whitley’s recent rocky start, having Sabathia back in that rotation would be a sight for sore eyes.
It’s been a minor-miracle that the Yanks have a winning record with three-fifths of the rotation injured for the better part of the season (Sabathia, Pineda and Nova).
Beltran stops throwing program:
Another major injury to be dealt with is the progress of outfielder Carlos Beltran. Beltran, who came off the disabled list earlier this month, has only been used at designated-hitter. The plan is only temporary until Beltran builds strength in his right-elbow.
Beltran has been on a light throwing program since June 11th and has built that strength up. Recently though, he felt discomfort in that elbow and has stopped throwing.