Pitcher Andy Pettitte's recovery has been on schedule, and the 40-year-old starter could be ready to start for the New York Yankees as soon as next Tuesday.
Pettitte tossed a 55-pitch simulated game Wednesday, considering there are no minor league seasons still in play for the veteran to rehab in. He'll meet with a team doctor Friday, who could clear him to play, in which case he could be inserted into the Yankees' rotation.
Pettitte broke a bone in his leg on June 27, leaving a club that would coast into first place without him. Now that the AL East race is knotted, the return of Pettitte -- who had a 3.22 ERA, which would be the second-lowest of any Yankees starter behind Hiroki Kuroda -- could be vital in securing a few extra games down the stretch. Pettitte would likely take the spot of David Phelps, who is 2-1 in six starts since being moved in from the bullpen, failing to go five innings twice.
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