Sabathia: "Time Off Has Gotten the Fire Back in Me"

Yankees' Pitcher CC Sabathia revealed that he misses pitching for the team.

Sabathia, 34, started just eight games for it this season due to a knee injury. In the last one of those contests, which came May 11 in Milwaukee, the veteran suffered the seemingly-minor-at-first-glance wound, one that'd ultimately end his campaign after it was found to be more serious.

“Having almost a year off has gotten the fire back in me,’’ Sabathia recently told The New York Post. “Having baseball taken away from me stunk. I am excited to get going.’’

Sabathia said that his knee feels better and that expects to be back next spring. At one point this year, as you probably remember, it was thought that the issue might end his career, a scenario that was thankfully avoided July 23 when Sabathia underwent successful arthroscopic surgery.

“It feels good after the stem cell,’’ he said. “It’s been feeling great. I am definitely coming back.’’

In his limited playing time this year, Sabathia struggled mightily, going just 3-4 with a 5.28 ERA. Of his aforementioned eight outings, which were split between home and the road, just two were of quality, with the left-hander easily winning the pair thanks to solid performances against the Rays and Red Sox.