MLB

Yankees’ Sabathia eager to pitch in game

TAMPA — CC Sabathia isn’t close to being ready to work in a game that counts, but the Yankees’ ace is itching to hurl in an exhibition game.

“I am definitely getting fired up for a spring training game, but I have a long way [to go] to pitch in a regular-season game,’’ Sabathia said after throwing two innings in what amounted to an accelerated batting practice session Thursday morning on Field 2 at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Sabathia threw 46 pitches around an inning by Mariano Rivera, who used 18 pitches.

So when does Sabathia get into a game?

“That’s up to Larry,’’ Sabathia said of pitching coach Larry Rothschild. “I have another bullpen coming up and go from there. I like bullpens because I can work on things but I am getting antsy to pitch in a game.’’

Manager Joe Girardi said Sabathia’s next exercise would be a simulated game Tuesday and the manager said the ace could be a candidate to start against the Blue Jays March 10.

According to Sabathia there has been no problem with his left elbow on which he underwent surgery last October to remove a bone spur.

PHOTOS: YANKEES SPRING TRAINING

“It feels good,’’ Sabathia said. “I’m excited I don’t have pain in there anymore.’’

As for Rivera, to the naked eye it’s impossible to tell he had major surgery on his right knee last June. He threw effortlessly and fielded bunts without a problem.

“I feel real good, that’s what I wanted to do,’’ Rivera said. “That’s what I needed to do, field bunts and plant and throw.”

While Rivera, 43, is looking forward to working a game, he understands there is plenty of time for him to log the customary eight innings he throws in the exhibition season.

“This was perfect, now it’s time to do it in a real game,’’ Rivera said. “There is another month to go, a long time. I am feeling good, stronger and sharper. I don’t know what’s next but I feel real good.’’

* Francisco Cervelli is the emotional Yankees catcher.

Nevertheless, it was Chris Stewart who got tossed from Thursday’s 1-0 loss to the Blue Jays at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Stewart’s grounder in the hole at short was gloved by Jose Reyes. His throw to first appeared to be late but umpire Marty Foster called Stewart out.

“I didn’t feel like I was talked to in the right manner and I told him not to talk to me like that,’’ Stewart said. “I didn’t curse at him. I pointed at him once. Somehow I got tossed. It was the spur of the moment. I let him know I thought I was safe. I didn’t like the way he talked to me and I let him know it. I said it a couple of times as I was walking back to the dugout and he threw me out of the game.’’

As Stewart was walking to the dugout, he had his helmet in hand and waived his arm. That was his last act before Foster, known for having rabbit ears, ejected Stewart.

A shocked Stewart took serious ribbing from teammates.

“Everybody is asking me who gets thrown out of a spring-training game,’’ Stewart said. “This guy right here.’’

Stewart is competing with Cervelli for the starting job with the loser the favorite to be the backup.

“I am just trying to make the team. I didn’t do anything to get thrown out of the game,’’ Stewart said. “I didn’t get in his face. I apologized to [manager] Joe [Girardi] for somehow doing something to get out of the game.’’

Girardi said Stewart’s “emotions got the best of him. [Foster] thought Stew was pointing at him. You can’t have that happen in the regular-season game.

* Monday will be two weeks since Phil Hughes has participated in drills because of a bulging disk in his upper back. So general manager Brian Cashman has been asked if the right-hander has a chance to miss his first start of the season.

“Is Opening Day in jeopardy? Yeah,’’ Cashman said.”He has more things to do to get in position to get off the mound again. He could be healthy by Opening Day. He also might not be.”

* David Phelps’ second spring start did nothing to hurt his chances of grabbing the fifth spot in the rotation. And with Hughes possibly not being ready for the beginning of the season, the right-hander could ascend to the fourth slot.

“I want him back to help the team,’’ Phelps said of Hughes. “I am still preparing the same way whether I am in the bullpen or a starter.’’

* Kevin Youkilis took batting practice and didn’t appear to be hampered by the left oblique problem that surfaced Monday.

Girardi said Youkilis could get an at-bat today and return to the lineup tomorrow.

* Watching Slade Heathcott and Ronier Mustelier collide in right-center field in the seventh inning was scary.

Heathcott dove for the ball and collided with the stocky, but well-built, Mustelier. The players fell to the track but weren’t hurt.

“It was one of those things where we both called at the same time,’’ Heathcott said. “I am glad he is OK. It didn’t hurt either one of us. It was like puzzle pieces.’’

* The Yankees lost to the Blue Jays, 1-0, and 7-6 to Houston on the road. After winning the spring opener the Yankees have dropped six straight.

* Cervelli threw out two Astros attempting to steal and is 3-for-3 this spring.