MLB

Yankees pitcher Pettitte closer to game action

TAMPA — Under normal circumstances a starting pitcher’s natural progression in spring training is bullpen sessions, two or three batting practice outings and on to exhibition games.

Because Andy Pettitte will throw batting practice today for the second time, so Yankees pitching coach Larry Rothschild was asked if that was a sign the 39-year-old lefty, who is attempting a comeback after sitting out last season, was close to working a game.

“We are taking it day by day with that and see how he feels the next day,’’ Rothschild said. “I would like to see how he reacts to things. This is a very different situation. Maybe having a year off and everything gets healed up and refreshed but you don’t know that until you get down the road.’’

Asked about the chances of Pettitte getting into an exhibition game, Rothschild said, “I need to see how he does [today] and evaluate.’’

In the limited throwing sessions Rothschild has observed, Pettitte has appeared solid.

“Very impressive, very professional. The stuff is there and he has commanded everything really well,’’ Rothschild said. “I don’t think I need to tell you, but he knows what he is doing. He hasn’t lost that and he has a really good feel for his delivery. There are a lot of things that are good to see with him. You can tell he has been throwing for quite a while.’’

With a target date for Pettitte’s return around May 1, the Yankees will have to find room for him in the rotation.

When Pettitte announced his comeback, Freddy Garcia’s name surfaced as a possible trade candidate. However, since Garcia signed with the Yankees as a free agent he can’t be dealt without his permission until June 15.

Joba Chamberlain said Sunday on the way out of St. Joseph’s Hospital that he would talk to the media today, general manager Brian Cashman said he wasn’t aware that is scheduled.

Chamberlain suffered an open dislocation of his right ankle Thursday while bouncing on a trampoline and had surgery that night.

The Yankees cut ties with an offspring of organizational royalty yesterday when they released Preston Mattingly.

The son of Yankees icon and Dodgers manager Don Mattingly was in camp working out with Double-A Trenton.

The hope was the 24-year-old converted outfielder, signed to a minor league deal in January, could improve his hitting enough to reach the potential the Dodgers saw in him when they selected him in the first round (31st overall) of the 2006 draft.

After batting .290 for the Rookie League Gulf Coast Dodgers in 2006, Mattingly never hit above .238 in the next five minor league seasons.

Playing for two Single-A teams last summer, Mattingly batted .232.

The Dodgers dealt Mattingly to the Indians in 2010; they released him last April. He re-signed with the Dodgers and signed with the Yankees early this year.

His brother, Tyler Mattingly, was a 42nd-round pick of the Yankees in 2003 and retired after 24 games in the GCL.

With no big league game yesterday, Yankees brass had the opportunity to watch Phil Hughes throw in a minor league game for Single-A Tampa against Clearwater.

On hand were Cashman, assistant GM Billy Eppler, minor league head Mark Newman, special assistant to the GM Gordon Blakeley, special advisor Reggie Jackson, director of international scouting Donny Rowland, and third base coach Rob Thomson.

Manager Joe Girardi took advantage of the off day to visit his father in Illinois.

Catcher Francisco Cervelli was impressed by Hughes’ stuff.

“Now, you can see he’s got command. He has trust in his fastball. He can throw it anytime he wants. When you see a lot of foul balls, it’s good,’’ said Cervelli, who threw out three runners attempting to swipe second.

Opening Day starter CC Sabathia will pitch tonight against the Blue Jays at George M. Steinbrenner Field.