New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia unleashed a string of profanities at the rival Red Sox during the first inning of Thursday’s 6-2 win over Boston, and again afterwards while speaking to the media.
Sabathia, who has battled knee and conditioning issues for years, objected to a bunt attempt by Red Sox infielder Eduardo Nunez, a former Yankee, and ultimately ended the first frame by cursing at the opposing dugout. Later Sabathia told reporters that Boston ‘tried to take the weak road’ by testing his ability to field his position. The 37-year-old veteran’s surgically-repaired right knee recently flared up in August, forcing him onto the disabled list for 10 days. Afterwards, the normally mild-mannered Sabathia refused to stand down.
‘I don’t give a f*** about their reaction,’ he said when asked of any possible retaliation from the Red Sox. ‘I don’t care what they have to say. I’m out there early every day. If they’ve got something to say, we can meet in centerfield.’
CC Sabathia has battled weight and knee issues, which is why he suspects the Red Sox tested him with a first-inning bunt on Thursday night in the Bronx
Nunez, who reached first base thanks to Sabathia’s throwing error on the play, did not seem to care about Sabathia’s objections.
‘I say I’m sorry, but I have to [bunt],’ said Nunez, who had only one hit in six at-bats against Sabathia before Thursday. ‘It’s my game. It’s my job. I know he has a bad knee. I feel bad for him. But it’s not my problem. I can’t change my game. If I have to bunt four times in a row, I do it. I don’t care if he’s mad or not.’
In fact, the first-place Red Sox have struggled against Sabathia all season, scoring only a pair of runs off the former All-Star in 20 innings prior to Thursday.
Legendary former Boston slugger Jim Rice defended Nunez during the Red Sox’s post-game show on NESN, accusing Sabathia of being physically incapable of fielding his position.
‘What is he talking about? said Rice. ‘Bunting is part of the game. You try to get on the base any way you can. If you tell him to leave some of that chicken, that donut and that burger weight, maybe his leg will be OK that he can field that baseball. That’s just stupid.’
The four-game series in the Bronx will end on Sunday and marks the last time the two rivals will play during the regular season. However, the two teams could meet in the playoffs should New York win one of two American League wildcard slots.
Afterwards, Eduardo Nunez defended his bunt attempt, saying: ‘I know he has a bad knee; I feel bad for him, but it’s not my problem’
Red Sox slugger-turned analyst Jim Rice defended Nunez on NESN, saying Sabathia’s ‘burger weight’ prevented him from fielding the bunt cleanly