Joe Girardi: CC Sabathia's stint on disabled list will be more than 15 days

CC Sabathia's trip to the disabled list will not be a short one. Yankees manager Joe Girardi Sunday confirmed the starting pitcher figures to be gone for more than 15 days while undergoing stem cell treatment on his inflamed right knee.

Sabathia returned Sunday after visiting Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Alabama. He was said to still be on crutches, but he did not appear in the locker room when the media was allowed in.

"He's going to see the doctor [Monday], and they're going to try to get a game plan," Girardi said. "Is it a 15-day DL? It's going to be more than that. I can tell you that. When we get him back, I don't think any of us really know. This is not something that's done very often."

Asked if Sabathia might face surgery this season, Girardi said, "I have not been told that, but I think you have to wait and see how all this works."

A 2nd opinion for Beltran

Outfielder Carlos Beltran, who went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 13 with right elbow inflammation, will not immediately accompany the team to Chicago. Beltran instead will meet with Dr. Andrews on Tuesday to seek a second opinion.

Asked if that's a sign Beltran's injury is not improving, Girardi said: "No, he's getting better. Players just feel more comfortable with second opinions."

Girardi said Beltran had a second cortisone injection Saturday, but added, "As far as doing any baseball stuff, we're not there yet."

Sweet home, Chicago

The Yankees will be in Chicago all week for two games against the Cubs, followed by four against the White Sox. Girardi welcomed the visit to his hometown, recalling memories of trips to Wrigley Field with his father and brothers to root for his heroes, Ron Santo and Jose Cardenal.

"Realizing a dream, being drafted by the Cubs and playing for them, being a part of a playoff team my first year there, and I have family and friends there," Girardi said. "I will see them and get texts from guys I played baseball with at Northwestern, saying we'll be at this game or that game. I always look forward to it."