The New York Yankees received bad news after Andy Pettitte tested his injured groin Friday.
After making 50 pitches in a simulated situation in Tampa yesterday, the veteran lefty told coach Joe Girardi the left groin injury didnt allow him to push off the pitching rubber at full tilt.
So, instead of making a minor league rehab start on Tuesday for Double-A Trenton, Pettitte flew here last night and will be with the Yankees today.
“I definitely think he thinks its a setback. You would have to ask him,” said Girardi, who explained Pettitte mentioned the groin problem but not the hip flexor tendon that felt tight on Thursday when a simulated exercise was canceled. “I think he felt he was going to go through [yesterday’s simulated activity] and make a rehab start.”
The plan calls for Pettitte to relax and receive treatment. If he responds to that program he will try another simulated game in five days in Trenton or back in Tampa.
Dustin Moseley, the losing pitcher Friday night against Kansas City, has done a decent job subbing for Pettitte. The Yankees need the veteran left-hander, though, to make a run at a 28th World Series title.