It took a week, but the winningest pitcher in baseball was finally named to the All-Star team.
Problem is, CC Sabathia is heading to the Bahamas.
While Sabathia was working on his 12th career shutout and major league-leading 13th win, it was announced that he was an All-Star. That came with a disclaimer. Texas right-hander Alexi Ogando was simultaneously announced as Sabathia’s replacement.
Sabathia pitched the final game of the first half and that never was a big deal for him, especially because of his alternative plans.
“I was never upset about it,” Sabathia said after winning his sixth straight start. “It’s definitely exciting.”
Sabathia is the fourth Yankee this season to take a pass on the midsummer classic. Alex Rodriguez will skip it while recovering from knee surgery, Mariano Rivera will rest a minor sore triceps and Derek Jeter will skip it to further rest his calf.
Jeter has started every game since coming off the disabled list last Monday and Rivera pitched — and pitched well — Saturday.
“I see these guys everyday,” Sabathia said. “I’ve seen these guys every day since February. I’ll see them Thursday.”
While Sabathia was not disappointed when the announcement was made on national TV last week, teammates wondered why he was even snubbed in the first place.
“I still don’t understand what happened there,” Mark Teixeira said. “But I’m glad he finally got that nod.”
Sabathia’s latest domination yesterday against the Rays extended his scoreless innings streak to a career-high 23 2/3 innings.
It was so good in fact that A.J. Burnett even hit Sabathia with a pie, an honor normally reserved for game-ending hits.
“Why not?” Burnett said. “Did you see what he did”?
