When the New York Yankees take on the Houston Astros in the AL Wild Card game Tuesday they will be without lefthander C.C. Sabathia, who checked himself into a rehabilitation center on Monday.
Sabathia issued a lengthy statement on his decision to enter rehab.
"Today I am checking myself into an alcohol rehabilitation center to receive the professional care and assistance needed to treat my disease,” the statement read. “I love baseball and I love my teammates like brothers, and I am also fully aware that I am leaving at a time when we should all be coming together for one last push toward the World Series. It hurts me deeply to do this now, but I owe it to myself and to my family to get myself right. I want to take control of my disease, and I want to be a better man, father and player.”
The pitcher went on to thank the Yankees organization for their continued support and vowed to be back with the team next season to play the game he loves.
The 35-year-old has been with the club since 2009 after spending several years with the Cleveland Indians. He has a career ERA of 3.69, according to Baseball-Reference.com.
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