Andy Pettitte (8-9, 4.39 ERA) goes for the sweep agains J.A. Happ (3-2, 4.93 ERA) and the Blue Jays in the matinee in the Bronx. Pettitte won his first game in more than a month on Friday, allowing just three unearned runs in 6 1/3 innings against the Red Sox. The last time he faced Toronto, he pitched 7 1/3 innings of three run ball on April 19th for a win. The veteran has shown some signs of aging this season but was back to his old self his last time on the mound against the Red Sox when allowed three unearned runs over 6 2/3 innings, on six hits, a walk, while striking out five.
“It was one of those nights where everything was working and you’d hope you’d be able to get through the game like I did,” Pettitte said. “My curve was working, my two seamer, I was locating that to both sides of the plate. My four seamer also. Chris Stewart called a great game.”
Happ was solid Saturday in his return to Tropicana Field, where he was struck on the head by a line drive in May. He held the Rays to two runs on five hits over 5 1/3 innings in a 6-2 victory.
Derek Jeter is scheduled to start his latest Minor League rehabilitation assignment on Thursday with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre at shortstop. The Captain is recovering from a Grade 1 strain of his right calf, marking his third stint on the disabled list this season. It’s possible that Jeter could return Saturday at Tampa Bay, although after having missed all but five games this season, the veteran’s return will likely rely on the health of his calf. “As I’ve said, we’ll just go day by day and see how he responds each day,” Joe Girardi said. “The plan, I think, is for him to play five innings in the field tomorrow.”
Alex Rodriguez wants to put all the media attention behind him and focus on what’s important.”I’ve shut everything down,” Rodriguez said before Wednesday’s game against the Blue Jays. “I think the best thing to do, for all of us, is to focus on the game. We’re in the middle of a pennant race, so I want to put the focus back on baseball.”
First pitch at 1:05 PM on Yes.
