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Sabathia climbs all-time lefty strikeout list

Al Bello / Getty Images Sport / Getty

CC Sabathia is pitching like the player of old.

The 35-year-old left-hander pitched brilliantly in a 3-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday, allowing two runs - none earned - across seven innings of work, while striking out seven.

With the great performance, Sabathia moved into a tie with Chuck Finley for 23rd on Major League Baseball's all-time strikeout list, also tying him for sixth all-time among southpaws.

All-time strikeouts by left-handers

PLAYER SEASONS STRIKEOUTS
Randy Johnson 22 4875
Steve Carlton 24 4136
Mickey Lolich 16 2832
Frank Tanana 21 2773
Chuck Finley 17 2610
CC Sabathia 16 2610

Including Thursday, Sabathia has made two starts since coming off the disabled list with a left groin strain. The big left-hander has allowed just one earned run and five hits across 13 innings of work, striking out 15 in the process.

Sabathia is in the last season of a seven-year, $161-million contract signed in December of 2008.

He does have a $25-million vesting option for 2017 that is guaranteed if he does not end 2016 on the disabled list with a left shoulder injury, does not spend more than 45 days in 2016 on the disabled list with a left shoulder injury, or does not make more than six relief appearances in 2016 because of a left shoulder injury.

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