TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia threw 28 pitches over two innings in a simulated game Monday.
The expected opening day starter made 14 pitches in both innings against Hideki Matsui and Kevin Cash in preparation for his first spring training start Friday night."Just trying to get a feel for it, the first time throwing to guys without a (pitching) screen up," Sabathia said. "It felt good."
Sabathia's fastball looked strong, but he considers his cutter a work in progress.
"It usually takes awhile for it to get right," Sabathia said. "I'll keep working at it and hopefully it will be ready for the season."
Sabathia is happy with where his arm strength is at this point of spring training.
Matsui, coming back from left knee surgery last Sept. 22, is expected to make his first spring appearance as the designated hitter in the next few days. New York manager Joe Girardi doesn't anticipate Matsui's debut will be Tuesday when the Yankees play the United States' World Baseball Classic team.
"We're going to shoot for a game soon," Girardi said.
Matsui will not play in the outfield during spring training.
Notes: Yankees closer Mariano Rivera (right shoulder surgery) is still scheduled for his first bullpen session this week. He is expected to be ready for opening day.
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