New York Yankees: Andy Pettitte Another Step Closer to Majors in Class AA Start

While Phil Hughes was getting pummeled in Arlington on Wednesday night, Andy Pettitte was getting himself more prepared to get ready to return.

After making several starts in Class A Tampa, Pettitte moved up to Class AA in Trenton for the Yankees and made his start against the Erie Seawolves, the Class AA affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.

Pettitte had another solid outing for Trenton, going five innings, allowed seven hits, three runs, two earned, walked one and struck out three.

Pettitte threw 81 pitches, 59 of which were strikes; another fine ratio for the 39-year old left-hander.

Pettitte didn't like his command, but still felt strong after his performance:

"I felt good, It's another step in the right direction. I'm a little disappointed in my command tonight. But all in all, it was good. I worked hard, threw a lot of pitches."

Pettitte is expected to make his next minor league start in another five days, but where has not yet been determined.

He could make it again in Class AA Trenton, or he could move up to Class AAA in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said he liked what he saw from Pettitte, but said he needed more time to get himself physically and mentally ready, but mechanically, Pettitte looked great.

Andy's going in the right direction, But he's going to need more time. He's got a few more starts to go. Mechanically, he's good. He got his work in, but he's not there yet. Nothing changes for Andy, regardless of what's taken place at the major league level. Andy's got to go through the right motions. At his age, having been away a year, he'll be ready when he's ready. There's no added urgency.

The team has said that they have a projection date of May 10th for Pettitte to get called up to Yankees for the 2012 season.

With each start that Pettitte does well in the minors, it puts both Hughes and Freddy Garcia on notice even more.

Neither are having a great start to the 2012 season, and one could get bounced to the bullpen to make room for Pettitte.

If it's Garcia, he may end up finding a new place to pitch in 2012 because he could end up getting designated for assignment.

But for Pettitte, another decent start in the minors and one more step to donning pinstripes and pitching for the Yankees in 2012.

Stay tuned, Yankees Universe.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1160759-new-york-yankees-andy-pettitte-another-step-closer-to-majors-in-class-aa-start

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