Former New York Yankees Manager Joe Girardi delivered an emotional tribute to pitcher CC Sabathia after the left-hander was removed from the American League championship series game due to injury Thursday.

Girardi got emotional during the MLB network broadcast after the Yankees lost to the Houston Astros, 8-3, in game 4 of the series. Sabathia was removed from the game in the eighth inning because of shoulder pain. The Yankee faithful gave him an ovation as he left the mound.

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Pitcher CC Sabathia of the new York Yankees reacts as he waits to be released during the eighth inning of game 4 of the American League baseball championship series against the Houston Astros, Thursday, October 17, 2019, in new York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

? It wasn’t the way I wanted it to end for him,? said Girardi, who is an analyst for the network. ? CC, are you?re a Hall of fame pitcher who was tough as any man I’ve ever been around. What you’ve been through on a daily basis is just to be able to get on the mound.?

Girardi was the Manager of the Yankees when Sabathia helped lead the team to a World series title in 2009.

? You were a great husband. Were you a great father? he said. You’ve probably been the greatest teammate I’ve ever been around because of your ability to pull all 25 and sometimes all 50 people together in a club.

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? You were the guy I always wanted on the mound when we needed a win. And it’s been an honor to manage you for nine years. I love you.?

Yankees Manager Aaron Boone said the Outlook for Sabathia was not good, and with new York facing elimination Friday, the chances are slim for him to have another step opportunity in the postseason.

New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia helps leave the field during the eighth inning in game 4 of the American League baseball championship series against the Houston Astros Thursday, October 17, 2019, in new York. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

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In 19 seasons among the Cleveland Indians, Milwaukee Brewers and Yankees, he recorded a 3.74 ERA and 3,093 tackles. He is the active leader in wins (251), complete games (38), innings pitched (3,577.1) batters faced (14,989) and strikeouts.