Andy Pettitte aims to return for New York Yankees
Andy Pettitte, New York Yankees left-hander took another step toward returning to the starting rotation when he threw a pain-free simulated inning before Monday’s Yankees-Red Sox game. In the simulated inning, Pettitte threw 20 pitches. Pettitte says he will report to the Yankees‘ minor-league complex in Tampa to throw a simulated game on Thursday, if he doesn’t feel any pain in his injured groin. With a strained left groin, Pettitte has been sidelined since July 18.
Pettitte said, “Today was good. I pushed it and now I’m going to continue the process.”
On Monday, Pettitte said he threw warm up pitches and took a five-minute before throwing the simulated inning to mimic game conditions. He said it was nothing out of the ordinary, although he did feel some fatigue from “pushing it”.
After Monday’s session, Pettitte’s only concern was his arm stamina. Before returning to the Bronx, he will need at least one minor-league rehab start.
He added, “I’m not gonna come back here [too quickly] and do something stupid. If I don’t feel comfortable in a rehab start or whatever I’ll take an extra one because I don’t want to aggravate this anymore or hurt this anymore.”
For Pettitte, Right-hander Dustin Moseley has filled in nicely. On Sunday night, to earn the win in the Yankees’ 7-2 victory over Boston, he allowed just two runs in 6 1/3. To see Pettitte back in the rotation, the Yankees will be happy. Of his 16-year career, he is enjoying one of the finest seasons. With a 2.88 ERA, he is 11-2 in 18 starts and he was named to the All-Star team for the third time.
