The New York Yankees open their season on Wednesday against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park, with a projected opening lineup similar to the one from their 2024 postseason run.[1]
Former Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia, speaking in a recent Fox News Digital interview, expressed support for the team's limited offseason moves from outside the organization. "I think it's fine," Sabathia said. "I think having a chance to get Gerrit Cole back (from Tommy John surgery), have Carlos Rodon healthy for a season, getting Clarke Schmidt back (from TJ) would be huge."[1]
Sabathia highlighted the strength of the Yankees' pitching staff as key to contention, noting that many stronger teams are in the National League. The 2024 Yankees won 94 games to claim the American League East title, the most wins in the division, before losing 1-4 to the Cleveland Guardians in the ALCS.[2][3]
A left-handed starter for the Yankees from 2009 to 2019, Sabathia helped the team win the 2009 World Series and compiled a 134-93 record with a 3.79 ERA during his tenure in New York.[4] A Vallejo, California native, he will provide color commentary for the game from the booth at Oracle Park, the Giants' home since 2000.[5]
"Having a chance to go back home for a Giants opening day... is really cool," Sabathia said, recalling childhood memories of skipping school for Giants games at the former Candlestick Park.[1]
Sabathia also defended Yankees captain Aaron Judge amid ongoing questions about his postseason performance, comparing him to Alex Rodriguez. "He's already proven himself in October, but... until he goes out and has the Aaron Judge-type month in October, people are going to say he's not clutch," he said.[1]
Sources
- Fox News. "Don't tell the New York Yankees this, but the New York Yankees are running it back." Accessed 2026. https://www.foxnews.com/sports
- MLB.com. "2024 MLB Standings." 2024. https://www.mlb.com/standings/2024
- MLB.com. "2024 Postseason Schedule and Results." 2024. https://www.mlb.com/postseason/2024
- Baseball-Reference.com. "CC Sabathia Stats." Accessed 2026. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sabathcc01.shtml
- MLB.com. "Oracle Park Information." Accessed 2026. https://www.mlb.com/giants/ballpark