Yankees' CC Sabathia speaks exclusively to 'Good Morning America' about alcoholism

NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia is out of rehab and spoke exclusively to ABC News Friday morning about his battle with alcoholism.

In an interview with Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts, Sabathia said he had "no other option" when he left the team to get help on the eve of their American League wild card playoff game against the Houston Astros.

It was Sabathia's first interview since completing his stay in rehab.

He made the decision after the Yankees had completed their final series of the regular season against the Baltimore Orioles.

"Like I said, I know it was a bad time of the season, but I woke up on that Sunday morning in Baltimore and there was no other option for me but to get help," Sabathia said.

The veteran pitcher, interviewed alongside his wife, Amber, said he realized some fans would be upset over his decision, but told GMA "it was just the time."

"If it was my knee or if it was anything else, then people wouldn't have a problem with it," he added. "You know, it being alcoholism, it was tough for people to swallow, but it's the same thing."