On the eve of their biggest game of the season, the New York Yankees are rallying behind CC Sabathia, who revealed Monday he's battling alcoholism.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman addressed Sabathia's abrupt departure from the team during media availability for the AL wild-card game, telling reporters he was surprised and supportive of the left-hander's decision to enter a treatment center for alcohol abuse.
"He's trying to tackle this in a very open way," Cashman said during a press conference ahead of Tuesday's showdown against Houston. "CC demonstrated a great deal of courage. We will do everything in our power to support (him)."
Cashman said he was informed of the news prior to Sunday's season finale in Baltimore, but declined to elaborate on the circumstances surrounding Sabathia's troubles. The Yankees GM repeatedly said the details - and timing - of Sabathia's exit were of no concern to him or the pitcher's teammates.
"What CC is dealing with is a life issue," Cashman said. "It's bigger than the game tomorrow."
Sabathia said in a statement released Monday he was stepping away from baseball to "treat my disease" and that he looks forward to returning to the Yankees next season.
Said Alex Rodriguez: "We play for CC now."
Sabathia, a six-time All-Star and former Cy Young winner, is owed $25 million in 2016 and carries a vesting option at the same figure for the following year.
"He could have come up with a lot of different things to hide what he's dealing with," said Cashman, who revealed that Sabathia wanted to be held accountable and not hide behind excuses. "It makes me even that much more impressed. He could have said 'My knee is killing me.'"
