CC Sabathia says he had "no other option" than to leave the New York Yankees for treatment for alcoholism ahead of the postseason.

The Yankees lost to the Houston Astros in a American League Wild Card Game. Sabathia was not a candidate to start the game.

In his first remarks to the media since seeking treatment, Sabathia told ABC "it was just the time."

The full interview will be broadcast Friday on "Good Morning America."

"I know it was a bad time of the season, but there was no other option for me but to get help," he said. "And I understand where, you know, fans would be upset and people don't understand, but it's a disease."