New York Yankees: Why CC Sabathia Must Dominate MLB's Second Half

The New York Yankees have the best record in the MLB. In order for things to stay that way, they'll need CC Sabathia to dominate the second half.

Sabathia, who has missed his last two starts with a strained groin, is expected to return to action Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays, according to the New York Daily News.

Before the injury, Sabathia was having another terrific season. He is 9-3 with a 3.45 ERA. He also has 105 strikeouts.

The Yankees are primed to make the postseason and advance far, but they cannot do it without their ace.

Sabathia will need to come up big both now and in October for the Yankees to make a title run.

Sabathia, historically, is a terrific second-half pitcher. In 2008 in Milwaukee, Sabathia went 11-2 with a 1.65 ERA in 17 second-half starts. 

Read on to find out why the Yanks need Sabathia to dominate in the second half. 

Secure Playoff Spot Early

A dominant second half from Sabathia will help the Yankees secure a playoff spot early.

This would be very beneficial to the aging Yankees. They could rest their players and keep them fresh for October.

If they are in a battle to the last day, it's very possible that their older starters could break down.

Securing a playoff spot early will also help the Yankees get home-field advantage.

A big second half from Sabathia will almost assure that this will happen. 

Make Up for Andy Pettitte

Andy Pettitte has been out since June 27 with a fractured ankle. He just started throwing off flat ground, according to MLB.com.

With Pettitte out, the Yanks will need Sabathia to come up big. Pettitte is their best starter behind Sabathia.

If Sabathia can pitch like he's expected to, then Pettitte can take his time coming back. There's no need to rush if the Yankees are playing well.

Additionally, a big second half will more than make up for Pettitte's missed production. 

Get in Playoff Shape

The Yankees are more concerned with postseason success than anything else.

Sabathia can use the second half to get ready for that grueling stretch.

He's missed two starts, so he's a bit rusty.

In the postseason, Sabathia has struggled the past two years. In 2010, he put up an ERA of 5.40. In 2011, his ERA was 6.23.

Sabathia can use this time to make sure he's ready for the postseason. The Yankees cannot win a title without him. A strong second-half performance will make his playoff experience much better. 

Solidify Rotation

The Yankees don't have the best rotation. With Pettitte out, they're much worse off.

Ivan Nova is having a very good year, putting up a 10-3 record with a 3.92 ERA.

Freddy Garcia, however, has a 5.25 ERA. Phil Hughes has a 4.33 ERA.

A great second-half performance from Sabathia will put less pressure on Garcia and Hughes. Additionally, it would mean they could afford a few poor performances from the back of the rotation. 

Relying on Garcia and Hughes to win in big games is not the best strategy. A good second half from Sabathia eliminates that. 

Earn Your Money

CC Sabathia will be paid $122 million over the next five years.

If he wants to earn that contract, he'll have to come up big in the back half of the season. 

In New York, nothing matters more than your performance when it counts. Sabathia was tremendous in their 2009 World Series run.

But one bad season tarnishes everything. Sabathia knows this. It's what he signed up for.

Still, that doesn't eliminate the fact the fans will be blaming Sabathia, at least in part, for a bad second half and postseason. 

A great second half will continue to etch Sabathia's legacy in New York. And most of all, it will help them win another championship.