Yankees legend David Cone is calling Domingo German's domestic violence investigation a "sad" situation ... and tells TMZ Sports losing the pitcher is going to really affect NY.
"It's sad," Cone says. "The whole thing is sad. I don't know what the details are, but it really hurts the Yankees."
German was placed on Administrative Leave by the MLB last Thursday after an allegation of domestic violence was reported to the league.
No police report was filed in the incident ... and details of the accusation are still unclear -- but what is known is German seems VERY unlikely to pitch again in pinstripes this season.
Cone obviously thinks that's a pretty big loss for the Yanks ... 'cause the 27-year-old was 18-4 with 153 strikeouts in 143 innings -- and NY's pitching staff ain't exactly the best.
But, good news for Yankees fans ... Cone seems pretty confident CC Sabathia can pick up the slack, 'cause he tells us the guy is 1st-ballot Hall of Famer with an unreal resume.
"I think he's one of the best pitchers of his generation," Cone says.
Yankees will begin their quest to win their 28th World Series title next week ... though it's still unclear who their starting pitcher will be for Game 1 of the playoffs.