Unretired Yankees starting pitcher Andy Pettitte is ready to join the Yankees starting rotation, according to Andy Pettitte. "I feel I'm strong enough and ready to make my next start with [the Yankees]," said Pettitte (MLB.com) "I feel good and it was another solid day. I felt the quality of pitches were as good as I've had in any of my starts up to now, and I was able to hold my velocity throughout [the outing]. I feel like I'm ready to help the team."
In terms of workload, he's certainly ready. Pettitte threw 96 pitches Monday in an extended spring training game. He could probably jump to 105-110 or so next time out and that's plenty for a big-league starter.
In terms of results, it might be a stretch to say he's ready to face big leaguers. Pettitte allowed 10 hits and six runs (five earned) in 5 2/3 innings Monday. He struck out eight and walked none, so that part looks good. Plus, Pettitte told MLB.com that he was much more aggressive within the strike zone against the minor leaguers than he would be in the majors. It makes sense, but I'd still rather see him not get knocked around as much. He allowed seven hits and four runs (three earned) in five innings in his only Double-A start.
Then again, the Yankees are pretty desperate for some rotation help. Their starters have a 6.08 ERA and 1.55 WHIP, entering Monday's action. Phil Hughes is pretty inconsistent and hasn't been good overall, but he's gotta stay because Freddy Garcia (0-2, 12.51 ERA, 2.20 WHIP) has been putrid.
The best guess is Pettitte takes Garcia's spot quite soon. His arm is obviously in enough shape to handle it and he can't be worse than Garcia has been.
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