C.C. Sabathia was left off the New York Yankees’ ALDS roster due to a shoulder injury. The reoccurring injuries with Sabathia (mostly his knee) have set him back all year and caused him to not have his “A” stuff.
Due to being unhealthy, it was extremely difficult for the Yankees to get length out of him in his outings. However, Sabathia’s stuff is still effective and can get guys out at the major league level. Therefore, the only place for him is as a reliever in the bullpen.
The Yankees tried this strategy out in the final series of the regular season where Sabathia pitched a perfect inning and looked comfortable and confident doing it.