New York Yankees Notes: A-Rod To DL, Ivan Nova To NY, CC Sabathia Will Stay

There were no updates yesterday because I was busy with a family member’s wedding.

There is a silver lining to that, however: On my way home I stopped at the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., and got plenty of great Yankees-related pictures that I will post later today. If you have never been to the Hall of Fame, I highly recommend that you go as soon as you can.

Here are some notes from the weekend:

• Alex Rodriguez's calf has become a bigger problem than the team initially thought, so he’s going to spend some time on the DL.
• It looks like the Yankees will platoon Eduardo Nunez and Ramiro Pena at third base with A-Rod out.
• In his place they have called up right-handed pitcher Ivan Nova. Nova will start on Monday as the sixth starter, but that could be just one time through the rotation.
• Plan on seeing Jonathan Albaladejo, Romulo Sanchez and Juan Miranda in the Bronx when the rosters expand in September. Colin Curtis might also join them.
• CC Sabathia, who has an opt-out clause in his contract after next season, has pledged that he will not exercise it and that he plans on fulfilling his contract in its entirety.
• The Yankees have promoted two of their top pitching prospects, lefty Manny Banuelos and righty Dellin Betances, to Double-A Trenton.

Banuelos and Betances weren’t expected to be promoted this year, but injuries and trades made it necessary. They are now part of a rotation with Andrew Brackman, Hector Noesi and Adam Warren that could be one of the best rotations in the minor leagues.

Thanks to Robinson Cano, A-Rod’s absence hasn’t killed the Yankees. Hopefully he stays hot and continues his MVP campaign.

Related Stories

• Jan. 1, 2010: John Sickels Ranks the Yanks
• June 23, 2010: Yankees Notes: Pettitte, A-Rod, Posada, Curtis, Joba, Betances, Future Games
• April 19, 2010: Minor League Monday: April 19th, 2010
• Feb. 8, 2010: Minor League Monday: February 8th, 2010