Yankees Pitcher CC Sabathia Enters Rehab for Alcohol Abuse: "It Hurts Me Deeply To Do This Now"

Six-time All-Star is expected to miss the entire postseason; Yankees play wild card game Oct. 6 vs. Houston Astros

Through seven seasons with the New York Yankees, CC Sabathia has been one of the most reliable pitchers in baseball. But today he announced he'll be stepping away from the mound to take care of some very personal struggles.

"Today I am checking myself into an alcohol rehabilitation center to receive the professional care and assistance needed to treat my disease," the 35-year-old athlete said in a statement released Monday.

"I love baseball and I love my teammates like brothers, and I am also fully aware that I am leaving at a time when we should all be coming together for one last push toward the World Series," the six-time All-Star continued. "It hurts me deeply to do this now, but I owe it to myself and to my family to get myself right. I want to take control of my disease, and I want to be a better man, father and player."

Sabathia, who when he signed with the Yankees in 2009 became the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history at the time, was set to play a crucial role in the team's lineup during the playoffs this year. Instead, he's elected to skip the entire postseason to address his health issues. 

The baseball player also has four children—sons Carsten Charles III, 12, and Carter, 5, and daughters Jaeden Arie, 10, and Cyia, 7—with wife Amber Sabathia.

"Being an adult means being accountable. Being a baseball player means that others look up to you. I want my kids—and others who may have become fans of mine over the years—to know that I am not too big of a man to ask for help," Sabathia added. "I want to hold my head up high, have a full heart and be the type of person again that I can be proud of. And that's exactly what I am going to do."

Masahiro Tanaka will be starting for the Yankees tomorrow in their wild card play-in game against the Houston Astros.

While Sabathia's departure is said to be voluntary, he seems hopeful about the road ahead and eager to recuperate and return to his family, both on and off the field. 

"I want to thank the New York Yankees organization for their encouragement and understanding. Their support gives me great strength and has allowed me to move forward with this decision with a clear mind," he also said. "As difficult as this decision is to share publicly, I don't want to run and hide. But for now please respect my family's need for privacy as we work through this challenge together."

We send well wishes to Sabathia and his family during this difficult time.