CC Sabathia is expected to be out at least another six weeks nursing a knee injury that has already landed the New York Yankees ace on the disabled list.

According to ESPN, Yankees GM Brian Cashman admits Sabathia might not return before July from the damaged cartilage in his right knee that has caused extensive pain. swelling and fluid buildup.

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ESPN reports Sabathia consulted with famed physician James Andrew last week and was given a stem-cell injection, leaving the 33-year former Cy Young Award Winner on crutches.

"It's an unpredictable time frame," said Cashman. "I'd say you're talking at least six weeks until you see him on a major league mound again."

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As part of his rehab, Sabathia will be required to stay off his feet and regularly work out doing pool exercises to reduce the level of strain on the joint.

"If we predict anything before six weeks, then we're probably setting ourselves up for disappointment," Cashman said.

With Sabathia sidelined, the Yankees have turned to a makeshift rotation headed by rookie Masahiro Tanaka, thus far unbeaten at 6-0 with an ERA just 2.0.

Cashman told ESPN the team doesn't anticipate making any trades to bolster the staff before the June 5 amatuer draft.

"I personally believe it's virtually impossible to get anything done of significance prior to the draft," he said. "And it seems to be even harder this year because of the scarcity of talent. That's why when you break spring training, you want to stay as healthy as possible until the draft because your flexibility only comes from within, and you hope your depth as an organization will allow you to tread water better."

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