The New York Yankees’ heart and blood line might run through veteran pitcher CC Sabathia on the field, but off of it Sabathia has endured some complications.
Earlier in December, Sabathia underwent an angioplasty for a blocked artery, according to The Athletic.
The veteran, who recently re-signed with the Yankees on a one-year, $7 million deal, was struggling with acid reflux and heartburn before going into surgery. He was also perspiring at an unusual rate while exercising during the offseason.
“CC was experiencing some chest pain, which turned out to be a blockage in one artery to his heart,†Sabathia’s agent, Kyle Thousand stated. “A procedure was done to insert a stent to clear the blockage on Dec. 11. CC is doing great and will be reporting to spring training on time to get ready to play for his upcoming final season in 2019.â€
The complication doesn’t seem to have restrained Sabathia from continuing his offseason training regimen. He is on track to being preparations for his 19th season as a professional in the MLB.
He will be required to take a physical, in which he will feature in 2019 if he passes the test.
“We are thankful that CC was smart enough to convey his symptoms to our medical staff, and in turn they immediately engaged NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, who quickly determined the root cause of what ailed him,†Yankees GM Brian Cashman said in regard to Sabathia’s condition. “We are also encouraged that the procedure CC underwent was performed as planned. He is such a dynamic person beyond his excellence on the field, and we will proceed with his health at the forefront of our priorities. We will continue to follow the guidance and expertise of the doctors — who have conveyed that CC will report as scheduled to Tampa in February to prepare for the 2019 season.â€