Sabathia leaves start with tight biceps

MIAMI, June 21 (UPI) -- Star left-hander CC Sabathia of the New York Yankees left his start against the Florida Marlins Sunday with tightness in his left biceps.

Manager Joe Girardi decided to lift Sabathia in the bottom of the second inning after the burly 6-foot-7 inch, 290-pound had thrown just 28 pitches. Girardi and team trainer Gene Monahan spoke to Sabathia in the dugout after he had given up a run on two hits in the bottom of the first, and after two pitches in the second, he was lifted when the tightness appeared to hinder him.

"I feel fine, there's just a little tightness in my bicep," said Sabathia. "I'm not really concerned, I was trying to stay in the game. I've never had anything like this. I think I'll be fine. I do (expect to make my next start)."

The team said after its 6-5 loss that Sabathia's status is day-to-day.

There was no word late Sunday whether tests had been scheduled.

Sabathia signed a seven-year, $161 million contract with the Yankees last off-season and is 6-4 with a 3.67 ERA in 14 starts (102 innings).