New York Yankees left-hander C.C. Sabathia expects to return from the disabled list as soon as he’s eligible, July 17, reports Brian Hoch of MLB.com.

"I'll be ready. I feel pretty good," Sabathia said. "My arm feels great, I haven't felt the injury. I would assume that I'll go out and be ready to go."

Sabathia threw a bullpen session Tuesday and his arm apparently responded well. The 31-year-old told Hoch that he expects to throw around 60 pitches during a simulated game this Friday.

Sabathia has been on the DL since June 27 with a strained groin. At the time of the injury, the Yankees expected Sabathia to miss only the two required starts.

Prior to his injury, Sabathia endured an up-and-down month of June. While he did throw a complete game against the Atlanta Braves to earn his 9^th victory of the season on the 18^th, he also surrendered four or more runs in three of his last four starts. Only 12 of his 19 July runs were earned, but Sabathia allowed 41 hits and eight walks over his 35 2/3 innings.

On the season, Sabathia has maintained an ERA and WHIP of 3.45 and 1.271.

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Do the Yankees need to add a pitcher this summer?

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