Yankees’ CC Sabathia checks himself into rehab: ‘I want to be a better man’

New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia has checked himself into rehab and will not be available to the team for their playoff run.

"I love baseball and I love my teammates 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," wrote Sabathia in a statement released by the Yankees. "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."

The Yankees host a one-game playoff on Tuesday night with the Houston Astros. The winner plays the AL west champion Kansas City Royals. Sabathia would have been on the playoff roster as a relief pitcher.

“The fact that CC checked himself into rehab before the start of the playoffs tells you he has a problem that needed immediate attention," said Townsquare Media Sports Director Kevin Williams. "Regardless of what team you root for in this case you hope he’s able to win the battle and return to baseball and more importantly the life he wants to lead.”

CC Sabathia's full statement:

"Today I am checking myself into an alcohol rehabilitation center to receive the professional care and assistance needed to treat my disease," Sabathia said in a statement issued by the Yankees.

"I love baseball and I love my teammates 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.

"I want to thank the New York Yankees organization for their encouragement and understanding. Their support gives me great strength and has allowed me to move forward with this decision with a clear mind.

"As difficult as this decision is to share publicly, I don't want to run and hide. But for now please respect my family's need for privacy as we work through this challenge together.

"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. I want to hold my head up high, have a full heart and be the type of person again that I can be proud of. And that's exactly what I am going to do.

"I am looking forward to being out on the field with my team next season playing the game that brings me so much happiness."