CC Sabathia has surgery to remove bone spur, will be ready for 2013

CC Sabathia had a small bone spur surgically removed from his pitching elbow on Thursday. The Yankees expect him to be ready to start the 2013 season.

CC Sabathia Injury Update: Yankees Ace Will Pitch Friday

New York Yankees left-handed pitcher CC Sabathia has stated that he will be pitching against the Cleveland Indians on Friday night. Sabathia was placed on the disabled list with stiffness in his left elbow back on Aug. 11.

After pitching in two bullpen sessions over a four-day span, the staff ace feels confident about his return.

Via The New York Daily News:

"It's a big relief that I can go out and throw all my pitches, not be hindered by anything or feel like I can't throw this pitch because it might hurt," Sabathia said. "I have none of that and today just confirmed that. I feel good about going out there on Friday."

Manager Joe Girardi confirmed Wednesday that Sabathia will start Friday against the Cleveland Indians.

For more on the Yankees, check out SB Nation blog Pinstripe Alley.

CC Sabathia Injury Update: Yankees' Ace Says 'I'm Pitching On Friday'

New York Yankees ace CC Sabathia continued his rehab with a bullpen session on Saturday, and the big lefty is adamant that he'll return next week. According to Jack Curry of YES, Sabathia stated in no uncertain terms that he will pitch when the Yankees play in Cleveland against his former team:

Sabathia threw bp session today to test elbow. Will throw another on Tues. Was emphatic in saying, "I'm pitching on Friday."

— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) August 18, 2012

Sabathia is rehabbing from tightness in his left elbow, a problem he said did not require a trip to the disabled list. But the team felt otherwise, opting to put him on the shelf as a precautionary measure. An MRI did not reveal structural damage to the elbow, but with the Yankees firmly entrenched atop the AL East standings, they have been extra cautious with their ace.

Sabathia has not experienced any setbacks during his rehab, and if things go smoothly during his next bullpen session on Tuesday, he could be on the mound Friday against the Tribe.

For more on the Yankees, check out SB Nation blog Pinstripe Alley.

CC Sabathia Injury: Yankees Pitcher Placed On DL Against His Will

CC Sabathia said Sunday that he believes he should not have been placed on the 15-day disabled list and that he could have started Monday against the Texas Rangers. The New York Yankees placed the pitcher on the DL on Saturday due to stiffness and inflammation in his left (throwing) elbow.

"I didn't want to go on the DL," Sabathia said. "This was not my decision. But I understand it."

Sabathia has been dealing with the issue since Aug. 3 when the Yankees took on the Seattle Mariners. The stiffness subsided after the game until it returned this past Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers. An MRI revealed no structural damage, but New York is opting to play it safe.

"CC would go out there with a broken body part if you let him," manager Joe Girardi said. "That's who he is. That's what you want out of a player, but as Cash and myself, we have to make decisions that we feel are good not just for tomorrow but down the road, next month. It's not easy putting your ace on the DL."

The Yankees have already acquired Derek Lowe to bolster the bullpen so that David Phelps can start in place of Sabathia on Monday.

For more on Lowe and the Yankees, head over to Pinstripe Alley and stay tuned to SB Nation New York.

Yankees Sign Derek Lowe To Pitch Out Of Bullpen

With CC Sabathia headed to the disabled list, the New York Yankees have reportedly signed Derek Lowe to help shore up the pitching staff. Lowe will pitch out of the bullpen, but will not join the team until Monday. According to sources, David Phelps will take over Sabathia's next scheduled start.

Sources: Phelps starts Monday. Lowe expected to be in the bullpen by Monday

— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) August 11, 2012

The Yankees reportedly believe that Lowe can be an effective stopgap pitching from pen. He is 8-10 this season with a 5.52 ERA.

Meanwhile, the hope is that Phelps is ready for a starting role. He has certainly thrived as a reliever. Phelps has a 2.42 ERA in 52 innings pitched this season, and has pitched 5 1/3 perfect innings since the All-Star Break.

For more on Lowe and the Yankees, head over to Pinstripe Alley and stay tuned to SB Nation New York.

CC Sabathia Injury: Yankees Pitcher Lands On 15-Day DL With Elbow Stiffness

CC Sabathia is headed to the 15-day disabled list due to stiffness and inflammation in his left elbow, according to reports. The New York Yankees initially called the injury "a low-level concern," but now it appears that the issue is a bit more serious. Manager Joe Girardi called the measure "preventive," but he appeared concerned nonetheless.

"If it's September I'm not sure, if it's October, I'm not sure what we do here," Girardi said. "I think he makes his start. But the fact that it came back is a little concerning, and we want to wipe it out."

Sabathia missed three weeks earlier this season with a groin injury. His latest issue cropped up on Aug. 3 against the Seattle Mariners. An MRI after the game revealed no structural damage, but the stiffness returned Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers. Sabathia is 12-3 this season with a 3.56 ERA.

For more on the Yankees, head over to Pinstripe Alley and stay tuned to SB Nation New York.

CC Sabathia Injury: 'Minor Soreness' In Pitching Elbow