In a New York Post exclusive, Joel Sherman and George A. King III report that Yankees pitcher C.C. Sabathia has a minor meniscus tear in his right knee that will require surgery. He’s expected to undergo surgery in the coming days with a recovery time no longer than three weeks. Sabathia is not expected to miss Spring Training.

The Post speculates that Sabathia’s injury could make the Yankees more motivated to solidify the top of their rotation by signing free-agent-to-be Cliff Lee this winter.

In two seasons with the Yankees, Sabathia is 40-15 with a 3.27 ERA.

Lee is expected to command Sabathia-money (eight-years, $160 million) this winter and will likely be sought after by teams such as the Yankees and Rangers.