TAMPA — The Yankees have extended a spring training invitation to Andy Pettitte.
But the legendary lefty won’t be attempting a comeback if he accepts. Instead, Pettitte, who retired following the 2010 season, will be a guest instructor.
“He is invited to stop in and join us at any time, I offered that,’’ general manager Brian Cashman said. “If he can, he will, depending on his schedule so we will see. If he does, it won’t be more than a few days.’’
David Wells is expected back for a second spring as an instructor and Lou Piniella will work with players and with YES Network. Hall of Famer Yogi Berra is expected to arrive when the games start in March and fellow Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson is slated to be in camp for the final week.
Joba Chamberlain’s recovery from Tommy John surgery continues to progress without a small roadblock.
Chamberlain threw 35 pitches off the Carl Pavano Memorial Half Rehab Mound at the Yankees’ minor league complex yesterday and reported no setbacks.
While Chamberlain, who had surgery in June, would have preferred to avoid the process, from The surgery, which it requires 12 to 16 months of recovery time, it did offered something he cherished.
“I watched my son [Karter] go to his first day of school,’’ Joba said. “I am thankful for that.’’
Michael Pineda said he needs to shed pounds from his 6-foot-7 frame, which he said is 280 pounds. After throwing a bullpen session, the right-hander said he weighed 280 pounds. He was listed at 260 with the Mariners last season.
“I need to lose weight,’’ Pineda said. “I am comfortable at 270,’’ Pineda said.
Pineda worked on getting comfortable with the change-up grip suggested by pitching coach Larry Rothschild.
According to a tweet by WFAN, left-handed reliever Hideki Okajima failed his Yankees physical and will not report to camp.
The 36-year-old, who pitched just seven games with the Red Sox last season before spending the rest of the year at Triple-A Pawtucket, was signed to a minor league deal by the Yankees in December. He was expected to compete for a bullpen spot to compliment returning lefty Boone Logan.
The forearm strain that forced Ivan Nova from Game 5 of the ALDS against the Tigers caused concern for the 16-game winner.
“I was worried a little bit,’’ Nova said. “But they said I was going to be fine.’’
Nova hasn’t been limited in his offseason workouts, which began in late December.