Since coming back from the disabled list and a back problem in mid-May, Andy Pettitte had reduced his between-starts workload to one bullpen workout — until his most recent start, Thursday’s loss to the Rays.
“I threw two [bullpen sessions] before the last start and I didn’t realize it while I was talking to you guys the other night,’’ Pettitte said after throwing a bullpen session yesterday morning.
Because his back is not an issue, Pettitte will throw another bullpen session today as he prepares for a Wednesday start against the Rangers.
“I have always done [two] since it’s been so long since my elbow has given me trouble,’’ Pettitte said. “I am feeling a lot better and my back is fine.’’
Pitching coach Larry Rothschild isn’t bothered by Pettitte’s 5-5 record and 4.20 ERA. Or that the 41-year-old lefty is 1-3 with a 4.75 ERA across his past five outings.
“The other night his stuff was good,’’ Rothschild said of Pettitte, who gave up five runs and nine hits in 6 2/3 innings. “I think he is ready to get on a run, I wouldn’t be surprised.’’
* Looking for a way to show appreciation for his scouts’ work leading to the draft, amateur scouting director Damon Oppenheimer asked Mariano Rivera for 30 signed jerseys to hand out.
Rivera signed 30 No. 42 jerseys and Oppenheimer presented them to the scouts.
The timing is perfect because this is Rivera’s last year and No. 42 will never be worn by a major league player beyond this season.
* With Alex Rodriguez taking simulated at-bats in Tampa, how long before he is allowed to participate in simulated games?
“I am not sure. Obviously, he has to be able to run the bases a little bit more,’’ manager Joe Girardi said. “They haven’t talked to me about a simulated game. Obviously, if he is taking simulated at-bats he has to be fairly close.’’
* According to several people who have spoken recently to Yogi Berra, the Hall of Fame catcher is planning to attend today’s Old-Timers’ Day festivities. Berra, 88, didn’t attend spring training and hasn’t visited the Yankees’ clubhouse as often as in past years.
* Switch-hitting outfielder Zoilo Almonte followed a three-hit, one-homer game Friday night in his first big league start by going 1-for-2 with three RBIs in yesterday’s 7-5 win over the Rays.
“Not easy at all but trying to do my best,’’ said Almonte., who delivered a two-run, two-out single in the third.
Asked about the instant success, Almonte said, “I never expected it but [the] opportunity was there and got to take advantage of it.’’
* Ivan Nova will be recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and start today. Beyond that, his future is undecided.
“I don’t have [a plan for Nova],’’ Girardi said. “We’ll see what happens.’’
Nova was demoted to Triple-A on May 31 with a 5.16 ERA in six games (four starts) and is 2-0 with a 2.04 ERA in three starts against Triple-A hitters.
With Phil Hughes (3-6, 5.09 ERA) struggling, there is a chance Nova could replace him in the rotation with a good outing today. Hughes could shift to the bullpen, but in the big picture the Yankees still view Hughes as a starter.
* Francisco Cervelli has started taking dry swings on the way back from a fractured right hand.
“That’s a good sign,’’ Girardi said of the catcher, who could return before the All-Star break.