CC Sabathia Advises Aaron Judge Against Rushing Playoff Return

CC Sabathia, a former Yankees pitcher, has urged current captain Aaron Judge to exercise caution regarding a potential return from his calf strain for the start of the playoffs. Sabathia shared his own experiences of playing through injuries late in his career and the subsequent physical toll, advising Judge not to jeopardize his long-term health.

"I absolutely understand his mindset,'' Sabathia said. "He wants to get back for the guys. You feel like you owe that to the guys. But I would want him to be careful."

Sabathia, who is set to have his No. 52 retired and a plaque unveiled in Monument Park before Game 1 of Friday's doubleheader, reflected on his career. "Even with as much praise as I get for pitching till my arm fell off, I still needed my knee replaced at 46 and my shoulder reconstructed,'' he stated. When asked if he would alter his decisions to remain on the mound despite injuries, Sabathia paused before responding, "No." He elaborated, "But I had to think about it right now. There was no question at the time. You just do it. But now, I think about everything I’m going through physically, and I’m not even 50."

Sabathia also recalled Derek Jeter playing with a foot injury throughout the final month of the 2012 season and into the playoffs. Jeter ultimately sustained a fractured ankle in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against Detroit. "Jeter has been hurt all year, so you just keep going,'' Sabathia said. "I remember when [Jeter] broke his ankle, we were sad, but what were we gonna do, quit? You’ve got to keep going. You’ve got to play."

Reflecting on that series, which the Yankees lost in a sweep, Sabathia added, "We got swept [in the series], but you’ve got to show up and play. It’s hard not to have your best player, especially when he’s the best player in the game."

Regarding his upcoming recognition, Sabathia expressed that it is, in some ways, a greater honor than his Hall of Fame induction last year. "Not being a homegrown Yankee and to finish my career in Monument Park is incredible,'' Sabathia said. "I don’t want to downplay the Hall of Fame, because that’s the biggest accomplishment of my life, but I think this is bigger. Being able to come here as the highest-paid pitcher ever at the time and have them feel I lived up to that makes me feel good."