TAMPA, Fla. -- Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia threw 20 pitches Tuesday during his first batting practice session since a heart procedure in December.
Sabathia, expected to miss his first two or three regular-season starts, is slated to throw a simulated game Saturday.
The 38-year-old, who is retiring after the season, had a stent inserted Dec. 11 after a blockage was found in an artery from his heart. He has had chronic right knee problems that required several operations.
"He's really responded well to everything," Yankee manager Aaron Boone said. "He's doing well."
Sabathia also is suspended for five games for hitting Tampa Bay's catcher Jesus Sucre with a pitch on Sept.