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New York Yankees: 3 Pitchers who have to step up with Aroldis Chapman injured

By Nick Ziegler

May 14, 2017; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka (19) reacts against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 14, 2017; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka (19) reacts against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Yankees
May 9, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia (52) throws against the Cincinnati Reds in the fourth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

CC Sabathia

One of the reasons for the strong start to the season was the strong start from CC Sabathia. After a pretty decent season in 2016, Sabathia got off to a good beginning to the season in 2017. Even though Sabathia isn’t an ace anymore, he is still an important part of the rotation.

To start the season, Sabathia had three very good outings in a row. Against the Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles, and St. Louis Cardinals, Sabathia only allowed three runs combined, and the Yankees won all three games. Since then, Sabathia has gone downhill. Starting in Pittsburgh, Sabathia began to be roughed up. In his first loss of the season, the Pirates were able to score more runs against Sabathia than he allowed in his first three starts of the season combined.

Following the loss to Pittsburgh, Sabathia was then clobbered by the Orioles, as they scored seven runs against the big lefty. Things haven’t improved in May for Sabathia, as he has allowed 11 earned runs in two starts. While having a bad start here and there is going to happen, there has to be some concern about Sabathia. His last four starts have all been poor, and he needs to turn it around.

Without Chapman, Sabathia can’t be going five innings or less and putting extra pressure on the bullpen.

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