All Eyes On Andy Pettitte
August 26, 2010 · Steve Henn · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Andy Pettitte will throw a bullpen session on Friday in Chicago to test his strained left groin.
Pettitte has been on the DL since July 20 when he strained his left groin in a game on July 18 against the Tampa Bay Rays. Originally, Pettitte was going to be out for 4-5 weeks, but Andy was targeting three.
During his rehab process, he was playing catch and throwing off of a half mound at perhaps 70 percent of his top level. Feeling good, Pettitte then threw a bullpen session on August 17.
Treating this session as he would a batters during a game, Pettitte threw at his top level, but then he felt his groin “grab.” A significant setback for the lefty.
Pettitte, a notoriously fierce competitor was in the midst of the season of his life, going 11-2 with a 2.88 ERA in 18 starts before the injury may have been trying to rush his return. How can one blame the man though, chomping at the bit to get back on the mound and continue his monster season.
Dustin Moseley has done a decent job replacing Andy, but even then “the right-hander survives on location instead of velocity, and pitchers like him have to be sharp or they get hit.” (George King, New York Post).
AJ Burnett (9-11, 4.80) has been as inconsistent as ever this season, and Javier Vazquez (9-9, 4.96) has been demoted to the bullpen and replaced by rookie righthander Ivan Nova. Nova did a good job in his first start against the Toronto Blue Jays, but only time will tell if the Yankees can count on the rookie to give them a chance to win.
If Pettitte can have a successful bullpen, then it is fair to say that the Yankees can expect him back around mid September. The Yankees will need Pettitte down the stretch, as they battle it out with the Rays for the AL East title, who they play seven times in the final month.
And do not forget about Boston, who the Yankees play six times in September. Even with flux of injuries, they have proven time and time again this year that they are good enough to make a run at a playoff spot.
Steve Henn is the author of the Baseball Blog: RI Baseball Beat
Follow Steve Henn on Twitter steve_henn
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