Shape of Andy is dandy for Yanks

Shape of Andy is dandy for Yanks

Ron Antonelli/New York Daily News

The next step for Andy Pettitte is simulated games after throwing several bullpens sessions. 

TAMPA Andy Pettitte continued to work toward a return, throwing another short bullpen session Thursday in preparation for a simulated game this weekend.

Pettitte could make his spring game debut on Wednesday against the Mets at Ste inbrenner Field, though that depends on how his body reacts over the next few days.

We have to kind of see how he feels all the time, Girardi said when asked if Pettitte would debut Wednesday. If it is, well try to use him.

Girardi has been impressed with what hes seen from Pettitte, who has been in camp for 10 days since announcing the end to his one-year retirement.

Although Girardi said he expects Pettitte to return to the majors sometime in May, the manager isnt circling any specific date on his calendar, choosing to approach it day-by-day.

When I watched his BP the other day, I thought he located his pitches well, Girardi said. Hes progressing okay. Youve got to see how he feels after his starts. Obviously a bullpen is a bullpen, and then you start throwing a simulated game and the intensity picks up. Then you start throwing in a real game and its even more where youre having to run and cover bases and all that.

GETTING HE ALTHY
Nick Swisher went 2-for-5 with two singles in a minor-league game on Thursday, rushing to the Yankees complex after attending a luncheon to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Tampa.

Swisher reported no problems with his injured left groin, lining him up for a potential return to the Yankees lineup Friday night as the DH.

Went great, Swisher said in a text message.

Curtis Granderson, who had missed two days with a sore right elbow, was back in the lineup Thursday night as the DH against the Orioles.

MITCHELL REPORT
D.J. Mitchell had been scheduled to start Thursday nights game against the Orioles, but the Yankees switched things up, starting David Phelps while using Mitchell out of the bullpen.

The switch might be good news for Mitchell, who will pitch again in relief on Saturday, a sign that the Yankees might be looking at him for a spot in the bullpen.

Most believe the Bombers will tak e a second lefty, but Mitchell could be used as a long man if Freddy Garcia is given a spot in the rotation or traded.

When you start looking at Phelps and (Adam) Warren and Mitchell, they can all be candidates, Girardi said. It could be in addition to (a second lefty), it could be in place, either one. Theres no guarantee that the sixth starter goes to the bullpen.