Major League Baseball

Sabathia's decree: 'I am pitching Friday' vs. Mets

Published Jun. 22, 2009 10:43 p.m. ET

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CC Sabathia lowered the anxiety level in the Yankees' universe when he told The New York Post he will take the ball this weekend when the Subway Series shifts to Citi Field.




"I am pitching Friday," Sabathia predicted about facing the Mets.

As for the tendinitis in his $161 million left bicep, Sabathia said he wasn't concerned about it, less than 24 hours after it forced him out of a game against the Marlins in the second inning. Following that aborted effort he said, "I am pretty sure" when asked about starting Friday.

Sabathia said he didn't believe a heavy workload last year (a major-league-high 253 regular-season innings and making his last four starts — including an NLDS outing — on three days' rest) with the Brewers late in the season caused what Dr. Dan Kanell diagnosed Sunday as tendinitis.

"No, that's not it," Sabathia said of the Brewers, who knew their chances to retain the free agent hurler were slim, riding him hard down the stretch, something Sabathia volunteered for. "It could be the 120 pitches this year."

In three of Sabathia's 15 starts he has thrown 122 (April 16), 119 (May 2) and 123 (June 11) pitches. His staff-leading 1,568 pitches are sixth among MLB hurlers and his 102 innings are fifth.

The plan Sunday was for Sabathia to receive treatment today at Turner Field but because the Braves played the Cubs in a makeup game, the trainer's room wasn't available.

The Yankees start a three-game series here tomorrow.

"Nothing today, no tests, nothing," said Sabathia, who spent the off day with his family in Buckhead.

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