MLB

PETTITTE SAYS SHOULDER NEEDS ‘OFFSEASON’

According to Brian Cashman, a MRI done this past weekend on Andy Pettitte’s left shoulder didn’t uncover a serious problem. However, the shoulder has been an issue lately.

“I don’t like to talk about it because I feel, no matter how I feel, that I should win,” said Pettitte, who is slated to start tonight against the White Sox and then hurl the final game at the current Yankee Stadium Sunday night versus the Orioles.

Asked if the shoulder would be addressed in the offseason, Pettitte said, “I just think I need an offseason.”

Cashman said Pettitte’s MRI was part of the season-ending physical all players go through.

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Manager Joe Girardi and Cashman have no problem with Jorge Posada expressing himself about Joba Chamberlain belonging in the bullpen.

“All players have opinions, we will do what’s in the best interest of Joba and the club. I am OK with it,” Girardi said of Posada’s remarks.

Since Chamberlain missed about a month he won’t reach the 140-inning mark the Yankees wanted him to get to this season. He started last night’s action with 94 innings.

Since it’s likely they will put another 140-innings limit on Chamberlain next year, it’s possible he would start the 2009 in the same place he opened 2008: in the bullpen.

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Cashman and Girardi said Hideki Matsui could have left knee surgery before the regular season ends.

“I will see my doctor one more time for further discussions,” Matsui said. “When there is absolutely no hope of the playoffs we will discuss surgery.”

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Reliever Edwar Ramirez had his three-game suspension reduced to two yesterday after an appeal process, that didn’t require Ramirez to attend a hearing, was completed. He was suspended for throwing over Baltimore’s Kevin Millar‘s head on July 30.

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Bronx product Humberto Sanchez was promoted from Double-A Trenton with Francisco Cervelli.