Left-hander CC Sabathia won't be on the New York Yankees' 25-man roster for the American League Division Series against the Minnesota Twins, manager Aaron Boone told reporters Thursday, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
Boone said the decision had to do with Sabathia's shoulder "not bouncing back" from a cortisone shot last week, Feinsand added.
"Been something we've been trying to deal with the past couple months," Sabathia said when asked about his ailing shoulder, according to Erik Boland of Newsday.
"Not being able to participate in the playoffs is rough, but I don't want to put the team in jeopardy." the 39-year-old added, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. "I want the best opportunity for this team to win a championship. I feel like we have a good opportunity, so I don't want to be selfish."
Sabathia, a 19-year MLB veteran and a potential future Hall of Famer, plans to retire after the end of this season.
The Yankees had Sabathia make a relief appearance in the last week of the regular season in hopes that he could potentially pitch out of the bullpen during the playoffs.
The six-time All-Star reached the rare 3,000-strikeout plateau this season. He's recorded 251 career wins while playing for the Yankees, Cleveland Indians, and Milwaukee Brewers.
