CC Sabathia has not exactly wowed anyone to start the season. The New York Yankees have lost four straight including eight of their last nine games with him on the mound as he has two wins to his name so far this year. With injuries running wild in the pitching rotation, the Yankees are desperate for Sabathia to refind his old form as he faces off against a familiar face, Nick Martinez with the Texas Rangers.
Martinex is well aware of what it is like playing in the Bronx. He began his college career at Fordham University right next to Yankee Stadium. Now he is one of the best pitchers int he American League as he is 3-0 with a 1.88 ERA on the season. That is the second-lowest ERA in the AL right now. He has already faced New York twice in his career going 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA last year and admits that he likes to return to New York and see old friends.
"It's always exciting to come back to the Bronx, hang out with my college buddies and pitch against the Yankees," Martinez said, via MLB.com's official website.
Martinez will face off against Sabathia who is desperate for a win. The veteran has truly struggled this year with a 2-5 record and 4.67 ERA on the season. He is coming off two straight wins after giving up just one run in seven innings to Kansas City. He looked vintage in that performance and the team is confident Sabathia can return to that form.
While the Yankees have been struggling with Sabathia, they are 7-0 when he pitches against the Rangers. The veteran is 5-0 with a 4.78 ERA in those games. He has thrived against their batting lineup, forcing Adrian Beltre to a .233 average while Elvis Andrus is hitting just 6 for 17 of Sabathia. Prince Fielder is 4 for 14 against the pitcher.
Injuries are hitting the Yankees hard right now. Chase Whitley is out for the season meaning they have lost one starter for the year as Masahiro Tanaka comes back. Now, Jacoby Ellsbury is on the DL with a right knee sprain.