CC Sabathia On Grady Sizemore: ‘If He’s Healthy, He’s The Guy’

Grady Sizemore is enjoying a strong spring training in his first year with the Boston Red Sox, and one of his former teammates has taken notice.

New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia, a fellow former Cleveland Indian, said Tuesday that he watched Sizemore’s performance against the St. Louis Cardinals the day before and liked what he saw.

“He looked good. That’s the Grady Sizemore I know,” Sabathia told The Boston Globe’s Peter Abraham. “If he’s healthy, that’s the guy.”

Sizemore, who hasn’t played in a regular-season game since 2011, went 3-for-4 with a double and two highlight-reel catches against the Cardinals, continuing his push to become the Red Sox’s Opening Day center fielder.

“It was my first time seeing him play. You’d think his timing would be off or something would be off,” Sabathia said. “He hit a ball off the wall off a lefty. He looked good. When you’ve got talent like that, anything is possible.

“He was so much fun to watch when I played with him. He was young and full of energy and kind of took over the game. It was just fun to watch.”

Sizemore and Sabathia spent four-plus seasons together with the Indians, during which time Sizemore earned three All-Star nods, two Gold Gloves and a Silver Slugger award. Injuries derailed his career in Cleveland, though, and health remains the primary concern as he attempts a comeback with the Red Sox.

Sizemore continues to battle with Jackie Bradley Jr. for the starting job. Shane Victorino and Daniel Nava could both see time in center this season, as well.