MLB Spring Training 2012: Andy Pettitte Plans to Pitch in Minors on Thursday
April 2, 2012 · Kenny DeJohn · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Andy Pettitte is ready to take the biggest step of his comeback thus far, reports George A. King III of nypost.com.
Although nothing is set in stone just yet, Pettitte is ready for a possible minor league assignment on Thursday. This comes on the heels of a successful 25-pitch bullpen session at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Monday.
The most demanding aspect of Pettitte’s return thus far has been simulated games.
With the Single-A Tampa Yankees scheduled to open their Florida State League season on Thursday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field, there’s a real possibility that Pettitte could see an inning or two of work.
When asked about a possible appearance on Thursday night, Pettitte responded, “It’s an option, anything is an option right now. Thursday is my day but I wish I could tell you exactly.”
It seems as if Pettitte is ready to go, but coaches are reluctant to give him the go-ahead. At 39-years-old and coming off of a year of retirement, the Yankees would be smart to take it easy with the left-hander.
Should Pettitte get into the game on Thursday, we should all expect him to be on a strict pitch limit. After 25-30 pitches, no matter the situation, expect him to be pulled from the game.
The goal of Pettitte’s extended Spring Training is to get his legs under him and having him stay out there longer than necessary will do more harm than good.
We’ll see Pettitte back with the Yankees when he gets his legs into game shape and don’t expect that to be any earlier than mid-May.
Don’t be surprised, however, if we’re kept waiting until June to see the 39-year-old lefty.
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