New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia will miss the play-offs after admitting himself into rehabilitation for an alcohol problem.
The left-hander revealed his decision the day before his team faces the Houston Astros in a one-game American League wildcard showdown at Yankee Stadium, with the winner moving on to face the Kansas City Royals.
Sabathia, a six-times All-Star who won a World Series with New York in 2009, was the winning pitcher last Thursday against the Boston Red Sox when the Yankees clinched their first post-season berth since 2012.
"Today I am checking myself into an alcohol rehabilitation center to receive the professional care and assistance needed to treat my disease," the 35-year-old said in a statement.
"I love baseball and I love my team-mates like brothers, and I am also fully aware that I am leaving at a time when we should all be coming together for one last push toward the World Series.
"It hurts me deeply to do this now, but I owe it to myself and to my family to get myself right. I want to take control of my disease, and I want to be a better man, father and player.
"Being an adult means being accountable. Being a baseball player means that others look up to you. I want my kids - and others who may have become fans of mine over the years - to know that I am not too big of a man to ask for help."
But going into rehab does not mark the end of Sabathia's career, as he added: "I am looking forward to being out on the field with my team next season playing the game that brings me so much happiness."
