Yankees Shut Down CC Sabathia, Ship Yangervis Solarte To Triple-A

The Boston Red Sox’s big rival took a big hit Thursday.

The New York Yankees shut down starting pitcher CC Sabathia — who had hoped to return from the disabled list around the All-Star break — after another MRI on his right knee. Sabathia was shelled in a rehab start for Double-A Trenton on Wednesday, allowing five runs (three earned) and five hits over 3 1/2 innings.

Sabathia has been on the DL since May 11 because of inflammation in his knee, and he woke up with more inflammation Thursday after his start. His return now is up in the air, but it likely will be well after the All-Star break.

“We’re waiting to see what the next step is,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi told ESPN. “Can’t tell you how long he’s going to be shut down. He said nothing during the game about it, he woke up today, and that’s the report I got. Today it was swollen, similar to what he’s experienced before.”

The Yankees also sent rookie third baseman Yangervis Solarte to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Solarte had beat out Eduardo Nunez for a roster spot after spring training and eventually won the starting third base job. He batted .299 with six homers and 29 RBIs during the first two months of the season, but he hit just .162 in June.

Solarte will be replaced by utility man Zelous Wheeler, who’s hitting .299 in Triple-A.

Photos via Robert Deutsch and Peter Aiken/USA Today Sports