TAMPA — While Andy Pettitte took a break from throwing Yankees batting practice Tuesday, Billy Connors and Nick Swisher discussed what the veteran lefty looked like on the mound.
“Looks like he never missed a beat,’’ said Connors, a VP of personnel and former big league pitching coach.
To which Swisher, who with Chris Dickerson, faced Pettitte, replied, “It’s crazy but when you got it, you got it.’’
Pettitte, who sat out the 2011 season, hasn’t pitched since October 2010 and is shooting for a May 1 return to the big leagues. He said he was pleased with the exercise.
“Just another step in the process,’’ the 39-year-old pitcher said of the 35-pitch workout that included the first 20 thrown behind a screen and the final 15 unprotected. “I got a little tired, but I got comfortable. I feel like I am seeing the ball off the bat better. I didn’t feel quite as sharp out of the stretch as I did the wind up.’’
When Pettitte started the comeback, he was more concerned about his legs than arm.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say [the legs] are a little fatigued,’’ said Pettitte, who likely will throw another batting practice session Friday. “But I am trying to get the drive and explode to throw 100 pitches. I am a long way from there.’’
If Pettitte gets into a spring training game, figure it to be the final one against the Mets next Wednesday at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Nevertheless, if he doesn’t work with the Yankees before the exhibition season expires, Pettitte won’t be disappointed.
“It’s not important to me, it’s not a big issue,’’ Pettitte said. “But I am excited to get into a game.’’
Pettitte knew his command was good and was bolstered by Swisher’s reinforcement.
“When Swish says [the change-up] was moving good, it makes you feel good,’’ Pettitte said.
***
Curtis Granderson was a late scratch from the lineup Tuesday night night because of a sore right elbow.
“As a precautionary we will do an MRI [exam today] to make sure it’s not something,’’ general manager Brian Cashman said. “Right now on a scale of 1 to 10 [of concern], I would say 2 or less.’’
“He threw [Tuesday] and felt fine,’’ said Joe Girardi, who explained Granderson felt something working out prior to throwing.
***
CC Sabathia has one more start before working Opening Day against the Rays on April 6.
“If the season started [Wednesday] I would be ready,’’ said Sabathia, who gave up three runs and six hits in six innings last night in a 4-3 loss to the Blue Jays at GMS Field. “I have two bullpens left and a start in Miami.’’
***
David Robertson worked a scoreless inning, walking one and fanning another. Robertson hasn’t experienced any problems with the right foot he injured falling down stairs at the start of the exhibition season.
Robertson was carrying empty boxes down the stairs when he bruised the foot in a fall and has learned from the experience.
“I threw the boxes down the stairs [on Monday],’’ Robertson said.
***
Girardi’s plan is for Swisher to play Friday. Swisher has been nursing a right groin problem and has played once since March 14 when he suffered a left groin injury.
If yesterday’s batting practice session doesn’t leave Swisher sore, he will get at-bats in a minor league game today while the Yankees are in Orlando. Swisher won’t play the field.
Girardi expressed some concern about not having Swisher for Opening Day on April 6 but said he believes the switch-hitting right fielder will be in the lineup against the Rays.
“A little bit [of concern], but my sense is that he will be ready,’’ Girardi said.
***
Mariano Rivera and Boone Logan worked an inning each in minor league games. Rivera recorded a perfect frame. He will work Friday against the Phillies, Sunday in Miami against the Marlins and Wednesday against the Mets.
***
Girardi said Hiroki Kuroda is slated to start the second game of the season April 7. With Opening Day starter Sabathia’s regular turn April 11 in Baltimore, that sets Kuroda up for the home opener on April 13 against the Angels in The Bronx.
***
The Astros and Orioles have an interest in right-handed hitting outfielder Justin Maxwell who is out of options. but the teams haven’t contacted Cashman about a deal.
george.king@nypost.com