Girardi feels 'pretty good' about CC's return to action

CHICAGO -- The Yankees learned this week that they will not have CC Sabathia in their big league rotation for at least six weeks, but manager Joe Girardi remains hopeful that the left-hander will be able to return this season.

Sabathia was to begin underwater therapy on Tuesday as he recovers from a stem-cell injection in his right knee, which Dr. James Andrews determined to have degenerative conditions. Girardi said that the Yankees are willing to give Sabathia's condition time to heal.

"I think there's always that possibility that a player may not make it back, but I feel pretty good about what he's had done so far and the steps that were taken," Girardi said. "You just kind of keep your fingers crossed."

Sabathia is 3-4 with a 5.28 ERA in eight starts this season, surrendering 10 home runs in 46 innings.