MLB

Yankees’ Pettitte opts to skip WBC

Andy Pettitte has decided against pitching for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, an industry source confirmed.

The 40-year-old strongly considered joining Joe Torre’s group in the third go-round of the international tournament, scheduled for March 2-19, and Team USA left a roster spot available for Pettitte to take until the Feb. 20 deadline to submit final rosters. Pettitte still could change his mind between now and then and pitch for the U.S. club.

However, the source asserted Pettitte has come to a full decision on this matter, which surely will please the Yankees.

Pettitte made a stunning comeback with the Yankees last season after retiring prior to the 2011 campaign. He put up a 2.87 ERA in 12 regular-season starts, striking out 69 and walking 21 in 75 1/3 innings, and pitched well in two postseason games, allowing five runs in 13 2/3 innings.

In November, he and the Yankees agreed on a one-year, $12 million contract to return for 2013.

The Yankees couldn’t block Pettitte from participating in the WBC. Ultimately, the lefty did as the team wished.