As if the Yankees didn’t have enough problems in the starting rotation already, it now appears that Andy Pettitte might be forced to miss his next start.
According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Pettitte has been experiencing stiffness in his left arm, though it is unclear whether it is his shoulder or elbow that has been bothering him.
The issue will likely keep the lefthander from taking the mound on Sunday in Anaheim, which would force the Yankees to find yet another arm to fill a spot in the rotation.
Pettitte has been hit hard in each of his last two outings, giving up nine runs in 5 1/3 innings against the Angels on July 31 and five runs in five innings on Tuesday night against the Rangers.
Darrell Rasner, who was yanked from the rotation this week in favor of Dan Giese, is the only possible option on the active roster to take Pettitte’s start. The Yankees could also dip down to the minors for Chase Wright, Alfredo Aceves or Kei Igawa, though none are on the 40-man roster.
The Yankees have Ian Kennedy set to return from the minors to make the start on Friday in Anaheim, while Giese is lined up to pitch Saturday against the Angels.
Pettitte is 12-9 with a 4.34 ERA this year, combining with Mike Mussina (14-7, 3.44) to solidify the top of the rotation in the absence of Chien-Ming Wang. With Joba Chamberlain on the disabled list and likely out for at least three weeks with rotator cuff tendonitis, an injury to Pettitte would leave yet another huge hole to fill for the Yankees during their postseason drive.
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This is crazy. Moose is the only guy left in the rotation who is somewhat dependable. When it rains, it pours with this team. Huge impact for next season as well, he said he would be back provided his arm held up. A stiff arm could force him to retire if it is a serious injury. -Jitpal
Edit: Look at our rotation now. 1. Moose 2. Ponson 3. Kennedy 4. Rasner 5. Giese. If that doesn't strike fear into opposing lineups nothing will. By the way, the only guy in that group that throws over 90 mph is Ponson. Granted velocity isn't everything, but that 4/5 under 90mph is not good. -Jitpal
