The way things looked for Andy Pettitte after yesterday’s minor league outing, it seemed possible he would need just two more starts before rejoining the Yankees. Pettitte’s return to the major league seemed imminent, meaning Phil Hughes might get just two more turns to solve his woes.
Both Pettitte and Hughes, however, will be getting more time.
Following Pettitte’s second minor league game yesterday in Tampa, manager Joe Girardi said the un-retired lefty still will make four more starts in the minors.
“I consider this his second start,” Girardi said, “and usually you give a guy six starts.”
NOVA’S WIN STREAK HITS 14 AS YANKEES’ BATS HAMMER ANGELS
MARIANO RIVERA CARRIES JACKIE ROBINSON’S LEGACY
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said last night Pettitte will have just four days’ rest before pitching on Friday. If he continues on that schedule for his next four minor league outings, he would make his last one on May 5. Barring physical setbacks, Pettitte would be lined up to pitch for the Yankees as early as May 10 at home against the Rays.
Pettitte had no trouble against Single-A Clearwater, firing four scoreless, allowing two hits and no walks and striking out three. He got up to 47 pitches, throwing 31 for strikes.
“I heard he got 12 outs via groundout or strikeout — that’s obviously a really good sign if that’s the case,” Girardi said. “You can assume he can go up about 15 pitches next time out.”
Pettitte’s updated schedule is an excellent revelation for Hughes, who remains lost as a starting pitcher. After serving up six runs in 3 1/3 innings in Saturday’s 7-1 loss to the Angels, he is 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA in two starts this season.
In Hughes’ last 25 starts in the regular season and playoffs, he has a 6.07 ERA.
Now, Hughes seemingly will get at least four more starts to reverse his fortunes. He does not need to look over his shoulder at Michael Pineda. The right-hander, who is on the disabled list because of shoulder tendinitis, is slated for a bullpen session today, but has not pitched in a rehab game yet.
— Additional reporting by Dan Martin