The disabled list has been unavoidable already this season for the Yankees, adding starting pitcher CC Sabathia to the list with a groin injury.
With the injury to the lefty, it paves the road for a familiar face to make his case as a starting pitcher once again.
Sabathia was cruising along in his best start of the season in the series opener against Boston last Friday. Manager Joe Girardi “had no idea” the big lefty was experiencing discomfort only to find out after the game he had been bothered by a groin injury since the fourth inning.
“[CC] did not tell us until after the start, he wanted to wait and see how he felt the next day,” said Girardi. “We thought it would probably be a good idea to get an MRI today to make sure, and lo and behold he’s got a groin strain so he will be [on the] DL.”
Sabathia was in a groove all night long, and had given no indication of an injury. Pitching through it, the toughness was on display once again from CC as he has shown throughout his career.
The last time Sabathia experienced a similar situation, the recovery process was nearly three weeks. However, it may take longer this time to recover. This allows Ivan Nova to prove his case in the starting rotation.
Nova has been used out of the bullpen to start the 2016 season, and has yet to find his best stuff as a reliever. He started the spring competing for the fifth spot in the rotation, but the Yankees elected to go in a different direction.
On the year, the 29-year-old has a 5.14 ERA in 14 innings. He has appeared in six games, but has yet to start on the young season. However, it appears that will change with the injury to CC.
“People have to step up,” said Girardi. “It is a chance that Nova’s been looking for, he has a chance to step up here.”
The right-hander notched his first career save in his season debut this year, but now will be called upon to help anchor the Yankees pitching staff.
