"We have texted back and forth, but we haven't talked," Sabathia said before Wednesday's workout at Angel Stadium.
Before the Phillies' series-clinching win last night vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers, Lee said the two had most recently texted a few days ago.
"It's never anything super important; I don't even remember exactly what we said," Lee said. "We texted when I got traded. We joked about hitting [in the National League] a little bit."
Cleveland traded Lee to the Phillies on July 29.
Sabathia is excited for his friend's success with the Phillies, although that could change next week.
"He throws the ball where he wants to, using both sides of the plate," Sabathia said. "He's a tough pitcher, and I'm happy to see he is doing well."
The two met April 16 in a significant event, when Lee pitched for the Indians in the first game at the new Yankee Stadium.
Lee and the Indians won the game, 10-2. In six innings, he allowed one run. Sabathia surrendered just one run in 52/3 innings and got no decision.
"It was a big game, the opening of Yankee Stadium, and we went out to eat after that and probably will do the same thing again," Sabathia said.
Lee isn't so sure he will be making dinner plans with his friend.
"I've stayed pretty close with him since he left Cleveland," Lee said. "But that might have to change next week."
If the Yankees and Phillies do meet, what would Sabathia say to the Cleveland fans?
"I don't know what to tell them," Sabathia said. "It's not our problem."
Contact staff writer Marc Narducci
at 856-779-3225 or mnarducci@phillynews.com.
Staff writer Andy Martino contributed to this article.
