The American League Division Series between the Tigers and Yankees is playing out like many thought it would, with pitching as the deciding factor. Ever since rain postponed the conclusion of Game 1, the big question has been whether each team's ace will be ready on short rest.
The Yankees expect CC Sabathia to be ready if needed on Thursday, according to ESPN.com.
"I would expect that I would have him," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said during his Wednesday news conference.
He added that he wouldn't put Sabathia on the mound without checking with him first.
Sabathia, who's pitched on short rest seven times in his career, didn't object to the notion when asked after Game 4, saying, "I'm definitely available."
The Tigers, meanwhile, are expected to rest Justin Verlander regardless of the circumstances.
"I probably would rather not [have him pitch on short rest]," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "But Game 5, you'd probably do just about anything — but not at the expense of hurting any pitcher, let alone one like that."
Aside from the win totals for each pitcher, both teams would obviously love to have their ace pitcher for any amount of time. Verlander led the league with a 2.45 ERA during the regular season, but a league-leading 251 innings pitched might be a factor in Leyland's uneasiness about throwing him back out there. Sabathia, meanwhile, had a 3.00 ERA and 237 1/3 innings pitched, but his experience pitching on short rest plays in his favor when it's a question of whether he's ready.
In a deciding Game 5, the difference between ready and not ready could be the difference between a ticket to the ALCS and a plane ticket home.
