Yankees' Pettitte Ready To Return; Cashman Wants Another Minor-League Start
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- Yankees veteran Andy Pettitte is ready to get back to the big leagues.
Pettitte gave up six runs (five earned) and 10 hits over 5 2-3 innings against the Phillies in an extended spring training start Monday. Though his line wasn't outstanding, the recently retired starter extended himself to 96 pitches.
After the outing in Clearwater, Fla., Pettitte declared himself ready to return.
"I feel I'm strong enough and ready to make my next start with (the Yankees)," Pettitte told MLB.com. "I feel good and it was another solid day. I felt the quality of pitches were as good as I've had in any of my starts up to now, and I was able to hold my velocity throughout. I feel like I'm ready to help the team."
But not so fast. The left-hander will make another minor-league start, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told WFAN's Sweeny Murti.
If Pettitte keeps to a five-day schedule, his 2012 debut could come at home on May 10 against Tampa Bay.
"I'm excited, and I'm ready to get up there and do whatever I can to help," said Pettitte. "I'm under no pressure, because those guys have a great ballclub. I just want to be right and strong to contribute once I'm there."
The 39-year-old clocked out his fastball between 86-88 mph. He struck out eight and walked none.
"I wasn't able to do that the last time out in Trenton, and I felt strong enough to throw it hard throughout my entire outing here," Pettitte said. "Each time out, I keep getting better and better."
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