New York Yankees pitcher C.C. Sabathia was the most important starter for the team this season. He pitched excellent in the playoffs and consistently helped the Yankees win games throughout the year, especially in games coming off of a loss.
But there were a few times this season when Sabathia looked a bit off. His fastball speed was down and his control
Fans and reporters wondered: Was he fatigued? Was his weight finally catching up to him? Was it an injury? Now they have an answer.
On Thursday the Yankee starter underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove a bone spur in his left elbow, according to ESPNNewYork.com.
"They found a small bone spur," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said to ESPN. "It was a quick and minor cleanup. We'll take him along slowly through spring training and he'll be ready for Opening Day.''
Earlier this season Sabathia was put on the disabled list with elbow stiffness and knew that he would check out the elbow after the season ended.
"Yeah, you have to be concerned, because like I've said, I've never had any problems with the elbow before," Sabathia said, according to the New York Daily News. "We have to wait and see. ... It's something that I've not felt before, never had, so it's best to go get it checked out and go from there."
According to ESPN.com, "The bone spur was first discovered in Cleveland, where Sabathia pitched from 2001-08."
This season Sabathia had a 15-6 record with a 3.38 ERA. He struck out 197 batters and walked only 44 with two complete games. During the postseason he pitched 8.2 innings against the Baltimore Orioles in Game 1 to earn the win, striking out seven while only giving up eight hits.
Sabathia also won the crucial Game 5 matchup, pitching a complete game while allowing only one run and four hits with nine strikeouts.
The former Cy Young winner signed a seven-year, $161 million contract in 2009 and is owed $94 million over the next four years.
On the National League side of things, Washington general manager Mike Rizzo announced on Thursday that third baseman third baseman Ryan Zimmerman underwent arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder.
Rizzo said that Zimmerman would be fine for spring training and "will be full go" in six weeks. He dealt with shoulder issues during the season and missed games due to the injury.
Zimmerman hit .282 with 25 home runs and 95 RBIs for the Nationals, who made the playoffs for the first time since moving to Washington. Zimmerman was the first-ever draft pick for the franchise and has played his entire career in Washington.
