Pettitte, Rodriguez closer to returning
The New York Yankees received good news on injured veterans Andy Pettitte and Alex Rodriguez, who could both be closer to returning.
Pettitte, who broke his ankle when he was hit with a batted ball against Cleveland on June 24, said he felt "good" Wednesday after throwing off flat ground the previous day. He threw three sessions of 20 pitches and tested himself during the last one. The Yankees hope to have him resume throwing off a bullpen mound this weekend with the hope the veteran lefty can return to the rotation in late September.
"Whenever he does get on a mound, the process is probably going to have to be accelerated a little bit just because of the time frame," manager Joe Girardi said.
Alex Rodriguez (broken hand) resumed taking batting practice Tuesday. The Yankees want him to play in a few minor-league games, possibly as early as this weekend, though no schedule has been announced.
