Is Andy Pettitte ready for the big leagues? History says yes, but his most recent outing for the Triple-A Empire State Yankees indicates no. Regardless, New York Yankees fans will find out the lefties fate on Tuesday, when the team is expected to announce the fate of Pettitte's next start.
According to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch,Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has talked to the Yankees' Triple-A coaches and plans to share that dialogue with New York manager Joe Giaradi before the Yankees season-opener with the visiting Tampa Bay Rays. From there, a decision will be made on the 39-year-old.
"The bottom line is he got his work in, he's healthy," Cashman said. "And so we've got to decide whether it's in his best interests to join us now or if we can get anything more out of what he's been doing."
The initial plans for Pettitte was for him to make one start at the Triple-A level and then make the jump to the majors. However, Pettitte's last start, which featured him going five inning and allowing five runs (three earned) in 92 pitches, didn't go well. So, the discussion now hinges on if Pettitte should make one more minor league start.
See Pinstripe Alley for more discussion and analysis of the Yankees.