Yankees want CC Sabathia's elbow checked out in offseason

CC Sabathia said his left elbow did not bother him in postseason. (Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia said his left elbow was not an issue after giving up five earned runs, 11 hits and two home runs in 3 2/3 innings in Thursday's 8-1 loss to the Tigers in Game 4 of the ALCS.

"It felt good," he said. "It felt good enough to pitch tonight."

When Sabathia spent time on the disabled list in August after experiencing stiffness and soreness in the elbow, he claimed it was against his will.

Despite Sabathia's denials, general manager Brian Cashman said the Yankees will take no chances with their ace in the offseason -- whether Sabathia likes it or not.

"Let's put it this way, we're going to look at that elbow, no doubt about it," Cashman said. "That will be on the list of things we have to look at now that the offseason's here. Whether he wants to or not, we're going to go look into this thing and make sure everything's OK."