CC Sabathia says he had "no other option" than to leave the Yankees for alcoholism treatment just ahead of the club's wild-card game against the Astros last month.
In his first comments to media since seeking treatment, Sabathia said on "Good Morning America" that "it was just the time."
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"I know it was a bad time of the season, but there was no other option for me but to get help," Sabathia said. "And I understand where, you know, fans would be upset and people don't understand, but it's a disease.
"And if it was my knee or it was anything else, then people wouldn't have a problem with it, but, you know, it being alcoholism, it's tough for people to swallow. But it's the same thing."
Sabathia, 35, finished the season 6-10 with a 4.73 ERA. He struggled with a sore right knee this season, but his ERA dropped to 2.17 in his five starts after coming off the disabled list Sept. 9. He said he's looking forward to next season.
“Just getting back with my teammates, being back in Yankee Stadium, enjoying the fans and, you know, pitching,” Sabathia said. "That's what I love to do, competing. I'll be back out there 100 percent, ready to go."
Sabathia is 97-56 with a 3.18 ERA with the Yankees and has a 7-2 record in the postseason. He was the ALCS MVP in 2009.