Yankees injury update: CC Sabathia making progress towards return

CC Sabathia could be closer to a return after a successful bullpen session, according to George King of the New York Post. Sabathia was scheduled to throw another one Thursday, with the hopes that he can face hitters starting Friday.

Sabathia has been sidelined since August 23rd, when he departed the in third inning and found himself on the disabled list with a inflamed right knee. The lefty has credited a brace for limiting his pain while throwing.

"I think it’s been the brace and the rest,’’ Sabathia said. "The brace keeps it from giving me a grinding feeling.’’

The 35-year-old has been showing the miles that have been logged on his body this season, not looking like the Sabathia that is a six-time All-Star and a Cy Young award winner. He hasn't looked the same since going 15-6 with a 3.38 ERA in 200 innings back in 2012, when he made his last All-Star appearance.

This year, he has gone 4-9 with a 5.27 ERA in 138⅓ innings and there have been calls for him to be moved to the bullpen, but general manager Brian Cashman has assured that Sabathia will be used as a starter upon his return. The Yankees are trying to chase down the soaring Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East and may look to anything to help them get there.