Pettitte to get at least 1 more start in minors

By RONALD BLUM

NEW YORK (AP) While Andy Pettitte was testifying in a Washington, D.C., court house, the New York Yankees said he'll get at least one more start in the minor leagues before rejoining their starting rotation.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi spoke with the 39-year-old left-hander on Monday, just before Pettitte gave up six runs and 10 hits in 5 2-3 innings against the Philadelphia Phillies in an extended spring training game at Clearwater, Fla. Pettitte then traveled to Washington, where he was called by prosecutors to testify in the trial of former Yankees and Houston Astros teammate Roger Clemens.

"I'm sure it was on his mind," Girardi said. "I don't know how it wouldn't be."

Pettitte retired after the 2010 season, then decided in March he wanted to pitch this year. He will have at least one more turn in the minors. Because he threw 95 pitches Monday and didn't get to work out Tuesday, his next outing could be pushed back a day to Sunday.

Girardi was pleased Pettitte's testimony will be over before he joins the major league team.

"I would think it would be something that you wouldn't want to interrupt your season," he said. "I would think that it would be good to get it out of the way."

When Pettitte is ready to join the Yankees, struggling Phil Hughes could be bumped from the rotation.

"I'm sure it's on his mind some," Girardi said.

NOTES: RHP Michael Pineda had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his pitching shoulder. New York Mets medical director Dr. David Altchek and Yankees team physician Dr. Christopher Ahmad operated at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Pineda won't pitch again this season. ... OF Brett Gardner, on the DL since April 15 because of a strained right elbow, might not be activated on Thursday, the first day he's eligible. "Thursday might be a little doubtful just because he's got to go play a game or two," Girardi said. ... RF Nick Swisher hasn't played since Sunday because of a tight left hamstring and Girardi hopes he'll be able to play next Tuesday when the Yankees start a series against Tampa Bay. "He's not really supposed to do anything baseball-wise for a couple of days, and then we go from there," Girardi said.

Updated May 1, 2012