Yankees' Sabathia (Knee) Expects to Pitch in 2015

CC Sabathia is disappointed and relieved all at the same time.

Sidelined with a right knee injury, the New York Yankees' pitcher spoke to reporters Saturday morning for the first time since the team announced he will have season-ending surgery Wednesday.

Sabathia says the news was tough to take and his situation is "not fun," but he's glad doctors recommended an arthroscopic cleanup rather than microfracture surgery, which would have required perhaps an 18-month recovery.

The big left-hander, who turns 34 on Monday, says he's confident he will be back on the mound in spring training next year. And with a plan now in place, he says he was able to get some sleep Friday night for the first time in weeks.

Sabathia made only eight starts this year and finished 3-4 with a career-worst 5.28 ERA. He is 208-119 with a 3.63 ERA in 14 major league seasons.