In a season that has been defined by overcoming injuries, the Yankees just keep winning. Their latest act saw them sweep the last place Orioles in four games at Camden Yards. But the roster took also took another big hit Thursday morning, as C.C. Sabathia was placed on the Injured List with right knee inflammation.
In what is to be his last season in the big leagues, the big lefty has held his own, posting a 3.48 ERA over eight starts in the absence of Luis Severino and James Paxton. Having collected his 3,000th career strikeout earlier this season, Sabathia is currently sitting one win shy of 250 in his potential Hall of Fame career.
On Wednesday night, he battled through a tough 5 innings (5 runs allowed) and complained of a “shooting pain” in his right knee.
So, who will replace the injured Sabathia in the rotation? Aaron Boone indicated that the Yankees have plenty of options to fill in for the veteran. The first option that comes to mind is Luis Cessa. The 24-year-old has appeared exclusively out of the bullpen this season to the tune of a 3.63 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 13 appearances. He has started 19 games in his career, all with the Yankees. Then, there’s the Chance Adams route. The Yankees’ No. 20 prospect has made 6 starts this season for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, posting a 4.80 ERA and 37 strikeouts across 30 innings.
Given that Sabathia’s turn in the rotation doesn’t come up again until next week, it remains to be seen just how the Yankees will fill the hole. That being said, Boone doesn’t expect Sabathia’s absence to be a “long thing.” In addition, the return of James Paxton appears to be right around the corner. And while J.A. Happ’s 5.16 ERA isn’t exactly living up to the $17 million he is making this year, I wouldn’t count on Dallas Keuchel just yet.
