TAMPA — CC Sabathia’s name was included in the list of Yankees pitchers scheduled to participate in pitcher’s fielding practice on the back field Thursday morning when pitchers and catchers opened spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
The veteran lefty took part in the running drills and played catch with bullpen coach Mike Harkey. But when it came time to move to a mound and work on fielding ground balls, covering first base and throwing to bases, Sabathia walked toward the clubhouse with trainer Steve Donohue.
Because Sabathia had right knee surgery following the 2018 season and had a stent inserted into a blocked artery in his heart in December, the Yankees are putting the Hall of Fame candidate in Bubble Wrap to begin what is his final season.