After a lot of talk about CC Sabathia starting the season in the bullpen, it looks like the southpaw will make the New York Yankees’ starting rotation after all.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi announced Friday that Sabathia will open the season as the team’s No. 5 starter.
Sabathia is coming off a season where he went 6-10 with a 4.73 ERA. He missed the end of the season to seek treatment for alcoholism.
Once a Cy Young Award winner and ace for the Yankees, Sabathia has struggled for the last three seasons. He has battled knee problems and a decline in average fastball velocity, which have contributed to his drop-off as a pitcher.
The large lefty has posted a 5.51 ERA this spring training. He is getting the No. 5 starter job over Ivan Nova.
