New York Yankees

Yanks' CC Sabathia upbeat after 2nd spring training start

Published Mar. 13, 2018 5:59 p.m. ET

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) CC Sabathia was upbeat after allowing one run and four hits over four innings Thursday in the New York Yankees' 2-2, nine-inning tie against the Detroit Tigers.

''I felt great,'' the 37-year-old left-hander said. ''If I feel like I felt today all year. I feel like I'll be pretty good. That's encouraging.''

Sabathia, who wears a brace on his surgically repaired right knee, was 14-5 with a 3.69 ERA in 29 starts last season in his best season since 2012. He has adjusted to decreased velocity.

''I feel pretty comfortable with the stuff that I have,'' Sabathia said.

Sabathia walked one and struck out one during his 64-pitch outing, his second spring training appearance.

''Felt great about what I saw,'' Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. ''I thought he commanded his pitches. A real nice step forward for him on his way.

Sabathia likely will make his first regular-season start during the opening four-game series at Toronto.

''There's no doubt he's made that transition, and I think you're seeing him now real comfortable,'' Boone said. ''It's been neat to see him made this transition.''

Notes: Prospect Gleyber Torres, a candidate to start at second base, was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after hitting .160 in 11 games. ''Just stay focused and be ready for another opportunity,'' Torres said. The move came one day after free-agent INF Neil Walker agreed to a $4 million, one-year contract. Walker is expected to start the season at second. ... Walker is set to play for the first time Friday. .... C Kyle Higashioka was also optioned to Triple-A. ... Former Yankees RHP Don Larsen, who threw the only perfect game in World Series history, attended the game. Larsen is 88 years old. ... Senior adviser Reggie Jackson had knee surgery, one day after slipping while taking a walk.

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