Sabathia could have died on London trip because of heart issue
New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia could have died if he didn't consult a doctor before a promotional trip, but he isn't expected to experience any issues with his heart during the 2019 season, he revealed on his podcast Thursday.
Sabathia was scheduled to appear in London in December to promote an overseas June 2019 matchup between the Yankees and Boston Red Sox. After experiencing discomfort and noticing he tired easily during a workout before the trip, Sabathia alerted the Yankees and underwent a stress test. On the way home from the hospital, he was told to return immediately. He had a 90 percent blockage in an artery leading to his heart, and he underwent an angioplasty on Dec. 11.
"The doctor told me that if I would have gotten on the plane to London, I wouldn't have made it back," Sabathia said.
Sabathia feels "100 percent better" after undergoing a follow-up stress test this week. The 38-year-old, whose family has a history of heart problems, was cleared to resume workouts and baseball activities.
"I was feeling so bad ... I was walking around with Pepto-Bismol bottles and Tums, just thinking it was (acid reflux)," Sabathia said. "For it to be my heart was scary, but having the procedure and getting out of the hospital, I feel like a brand-new person. For like three weeks, I wasn't sleeping, I couldn't eat. It was bad. So now I feel great."
Sabathia re-signed with the Yankees for $8 million in November following a strong 2018 in which he posted a 3.65 ERA across 29 starts.
2019 is expected to be his last season in the big leagues.