CC Sabathia underwent heart procedure, expected to recover fully

New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia underwent an unexpected procedure this offseason, and it had nothing to do with his pitching arm.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic revealed on Friday that Sabathia began experiencing symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn, and increased perspiration earlier this month, and doctors determined he had a blockage in one of the arteries leading to his heart. He was admitted to the hospital to undergo a fairly common procedure called an angioplasty, where a stent is inserted into the affected artery.

While any procedure involving the heart is a cause for concern, Sabathia is expected to make a full and speedy recovery. Doctors say he will have no limitations when pitchers and catchers report to spring training in February. Had the condition gone unnoticed, Sabathia’s agent says he would have been at risk of having a heart attack.

Other than having to alter his offseason workout plans for about a month, Sabathia is not expected to be impacted. One source close to him said he already feels a “night and day” difference physically after having the stent inserted.

Sabathia, 38, signed an $8 million deal this offseason to remain with the Yankees. The left-hander went 9-7 with a 3.65 ERA last season.