ARLINGTON, Texas — After CC Sabathia threw a perfect inning of relief against the Rays on Tuesday at Tropicana Field the next step in converting him from a starter to reliever for the postseason was slated for one of the three games against the Rangers at Globe Life Park this weekend and not to be used in a scripted situation.
Sabathia threw a bullpen session Friday, so that took him out of the mix for the first tilt, and manager Aaron Boone said the veteran left-hander wouldn’t in the regular-season finale after he didn’t pitch in the Yankees’ 9-4 loss to the Rangers on Saturday.
“He will probably not throw this weekend. Feel like it is better coming off the relief outing to give him the break and hopefully that serves him better,’’ Boone said. “We will sim game Tuesday and Wednesday and he will most likely be part of that.’’
Asked if Sabathia will be a member of the ALDS pitching staff, Boone said, “He will probably be on the roster.’’
Boone said he was unsure if the Yankees would carry 12 or 13 pitchers for the best-of-five ALDS that starts Friday night at Yankee Stadium against the Twins.
“We feel good enough about him that we want to make sure he is physically in the best spot he can be in,’’ Boone said of the 39-year-old Sabathia, who has battled right knee woes for most of his final season. “We know he is game for any role we put him in.’’
Boone said the plan centers around Sabathia’s body but didn’t mention an injury.
“It’s a physical decision in that we are thinking about his body and what is best for him physically,’’ Boone said.