CC Sabathia in pen for game six
Starter CC Sabathia will be available out of the bullpen when the New York Yankees take on the Texas Rangers in game six of the American Championship Series on Friday, 22 October.
Sabathia has already pitched two games in the series and is coming off a win in game five, allowing the Yankees to take the series back to Arlington, keeping their play-off hopes alive. Sabathia is known for his stamina and ability to rebound quickly after
starts. But pitching on two days rest is fairly excessive, even for the Yankees’ ace.
The Yankees are hoping that they will not have to use the veteran, as number two starter Phil Hughes will be getting the ball in game six. Hughes was not successful in his first game of the series, losing game two convincingly, 7-2.
Yankee skipper Joe Girardi spoke briefly about the decision to put Sabathia in the pen for game six.
“Our plan is, he’s available tomorrow,” said the Yankee manager. “Let’s see how he feels, but our plan is that he will be available for us.”
Sabathia seemed confident in his ability to contribute in a reliever role.
“I’ll be down in the bullpen,” said the Yankees’ ace. “I could throw 45-to-50 pitches. I’ll be available.”
The Yankees bats came alive for the first time in the series, racking up seven runs on the Rangers in game five. New York hopes that their stacked line-up will be able to continue to power the ball against Rangers starter Colby Lewis in game six.
Although the Yankees have a great deal of confidence in Sabathia, the starter has not been strong in his two outings in the ALCS. In both games the Rangers have been able to solve Sabathia, getting six hits on him in game one, and recording five runs, while
notching 11 hits in game five.
In the post-season, Sabathia has been average with a 5.63 ERA and 15 strikeouts.
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