The Yankees, of course, have to deal with the absence of Mark Teixeira, who will be lost for the remaining one to nine games of the playoffs with a hamstring injury. But while they mourn the loss of one star, Friday night they can take consolation in the fact that another star may be available: CC Sabathia.
After starting Game 5 and eclipsing 100 pitches, the Yankees' lefty ace says he'll be available out of the bullpen should Joe Girardi want to call on him.
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Unlike Roy Oswalt on Wednesday, CC Sabathia on Friday will not throw his between-starts bullpen session.
Like Oswalt, he has made himself available in relief.
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"I can probably throw 45 pitches (or) 50 tomorrow," Sabathia said.
Sabathia hasn't been at his best through two starts in this series, allowing 17 hits in ten innings. However, there's no questioning his ability, and if he's truly available to throw in relief, he presents a handy and potentially dominant left-handed alternative to the inconsistent Boone Logan. It's something to watch for in a late showdown against Josh Hamilton.