When the Yankees announced their rotation for the ALCS, some questioned the team’s rationale. Fans wondered why Sonny Gray needed 11 days of rest. Others worried about starting Masahiro Tanaka on the road, given his dramatic home and away splits. One thing everyone could agree on, however, was that CC Sabathia absolutely needed to pitch Game Three. If the series opened on a sour note — which it did — he could return to Yankee Stadium and put out the fire.
Throughout his career, Sabathia earned a reputation as a stopper.