Sabathia entering camp with 'clear head and healthy body'

With pitchers and catchers set to report on Feb. 18, the New York Yankees can expect a healthier CC Sabathia entering spring training.

The left-hander, who battled a knee injury last season and spent a month in a rehab facility last October, feels the best he has in a long time.

"I feel the best I have in three years," Sabathia told the New York Post's George A. King III via text. "I am excited to get to Tampa with a clear head and a healthy body."

The 35-year-old hurler threw off level ground with pitching coach Larry Rothschild in late January and will be coming into camp with an improved personality that was bettered by his experience in rehab.

"I have the support of my family and my team. I feel pretty good where I'm at. I have a sponsor, he is a great guy and helps out a lot. From (Brian) Cashman, the Steinbrenners, Joe (Girardi), and my teammates, they have been 100 percent behind me," Sabathia explained in mid-December.

"The biggest thing is to get help. People have seen my personality change."

Sabathia last pitched in a big-league game on Oct. 1 and missed the Yankees' loss to the Houston Astros in the AL wild-card game last fall. He is projected to slot into the No. 4 spot in the club's rotation.

The 2016 season could potentially be Sabathia's last year with the Yankees as he nears the end of his current contract, which contains a $25-million vesting option for 2017.