Yankees put CC Sabathia on IL as rotation issues grow

BOSTON — The Yankees’ pitching took another hit on Sunday, when CC Sabathia was placed on the 10-day injured list with right knee inflammation.

Sabathia was coming off a second straight subpar performance in Saturday’s loss to the Red Sox, when he gave up five runs- all earned- in just 4 1/3 innings, as the Yankees’ rotation delivered a seventh consecutive poor start.

Sabathia was asked about his surgically repaired knee Saturday night and said: “I am not making excuses. I am out there and am expected to get outs.”

This is Sabathia’s second trip to the IL this season. He was also out in late May with the same injury.

In what he has said will be his final season, Sabathia has been inconsistent, but pitched well in four straight starts leading up to his previous outing in Minnesota.

Combined with Saturday’s game against the Red Sox, Sabathia has allowed 12 runs — 11 earned — in just 8 1/3 innings over the two games.

But he’s hardly alone in his struggles, as every member of the rotation has failed to deliver over the last week — including James Paxton in his two last outings.

Pitching coach Larry Rothschild said after Saturday’s loss that it was up to him to straighten out the rotation, but it’s clear each pitcher is struggling with different issues.

They’ll turn to Domingo German in Sunday’s series finale, as the Yankees look to avoid a four-game sweep at the hands of their rivals.

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With next week’s trade deadline approaching, GM Brian Cashman has already been scouring the market for help and Sabathia’s injury — while not particularly surprising, considering the state of his surgically repaired knee — doesn’t help.

The Yankees called up Tyler Wade from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sunday. The versatile infielder could spell DJ LeMahieu, who missed Saturday’s game with a tight groin and is unlikely to be in Sunday’s lineup. Gio Urshela also rolled his right ankle on Saturday, but finished the game.

As for Sabathia’s spot in the rotation, the Yankees could have another starting pitcher by the time his turn comes up again. They could also use an opener again, as they have at different points of the season to much success, with Chad Green pitching well in the role.

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