With RHP George Kontos promoted to the Yankees from Triple-A, a corresponding move needed to be made. But this isn't the move Yankee fans want to hear.
The Yankees announced that LHP CC Sabathia is hitting the 10-day DL with right knee inflammation. Sabathia started on Sunday, where he allowed just one hit and no runs over six innings. He also struck out seven while walking three over his 97-pitch outing.
Sabathia has dealt with knee pain for awhile now. He wears a brace on that right knee, which has been deemed arthritic. He complained of knee pain to trainer Steve Donahue after Sunday's start and said he thought he could benefit from missing a turn in the rotation, GM Brian Cashman said on Monday.
After Monday night's 8-5 loss to the Mets, Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters he thought Luis Cessa would be the likeliest option to take Sabathia's spot in the rotation.
Cashman said he thought a stint on the DL was "expected" and part of his program. Through the Yankees' rotation ups and downs, Sabathia has been consistent with a 3.32 ERA over 119 1/3 innings this season.
Kontos, who was acquired from the Indians on Aug. 4 for cash considerations, played for the Yankees back in 2011. He has since spent time with the Giants and Pirates to go along with the Indians.
With Cleveland this season, Kontos owns a 4.68 ERA over 25 innings, which have come out of the bullpen.
The Yankees weren't done making moves on Monday. Luke Voit was optioned to Triple-A, while Ronald Torreyes was recalled. Jordan Montgomery, who is out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, was also placed on the 60-day DL.
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In reading Cashman's comments on Sabathia, this doesn't seem like too much to be worried about. If the downtime turns into more than one start, then it could be somewhat of a concern for the Yankees, but for now this DL stint seems routine and Sabathia could certainly benefit from the layoff to aid any other sore spots on his aging body. Sabathia has come back from the DL recharged for stretch runs in recent seasons, so this could turn into a positive for the Yankees. The Yankees could turn to Sonny Gray or Chance Adams seeing as though they line up best when Sabathia's turn in the rotation comes back up.
I'm not as huge a fan of Torreyes as some, but his return makes a ton of sense rather than having Voit clog up a roster spot. Neil Walker, a switch hitter who has performed quite well of late, can back up first base for Greg Bird or take at-bats when there is a tough lefty on the mound. Torreyes' versatility also helps the Yankees in the infield and even though he's a bench player, he is beloved by his teammates meaning his presence in the dugout and clubhouse could provide a spark.
As for Kontos, he's basically up to fill in while Gray and Jonathan Holder recuperate from their extended appearances Sunday.