The New York Yankees are expected to shop for a starting pitcher after CC Sabathia suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury.

Multiple reports confirmed on Thursday that Sabathia developed inflammation in his knee after playing with the Trenton Thunder on Wednesday.

With Sabathia likely out for an extended period, Yankees manager Joe Girardi hinted that the team might look for a starter, knowing that Sabathia might not regain his old form in time for a possible playoff run this season.

"I don't think our organization's thinking ever changes," Girardi said via NJ.com. "I think they're always looking to better our team no matter what and I'm sure that we've been scouting players just like every other team in baseball has. So I think the approach will still be the same because when someone's injured, you can never count 100 percent that they're coming back."

Sabathia's latest setback is a part of a series of injuries that hit the Yankees' starting rotation. Aside from Sabathia, Michael Pineda remains out indefinitely, while Ivan Nova will miss the entire season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in April.

Without their starters, the Yankees were forced to rely on David Phelps, Vidal Nuno and Chase Whitley, but analysts believe that the New York should look for another proven starter if they want to have at least a chance of reaching the World Series.

However, Girardi insisted that, while they are looking for another starter, the Yankees will not overspend, which means that they will not make a run at acquiring Chicago Cubs' Jeff Samardzija, who is one of the top pitchers who could be moved before the July 31 deadline.

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price is also on trading block, while the Boston Red Sox might be forced to give up Jon Lester, but both teams are not expected to strike deal with the Yankees.

According to Brendan Kuty of NJ.com, Cliff Lee is the most realistic target for the Yankees because the Philadelphia Phillies will not demand for valuable assets in return since they are only looking to get the 35-year-old pitcher off their books.

Jason Hammel, who is also reportedly on trading block, could also be an option for the Yankees because the Cubs will not command top prospects in a deal, knowing that Hammel's trade value at this point is low because he will become a free agent after the season.

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