THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
TAMPA, Fla. — New York Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte allowed one hit over six scoreless innings in a minor league game Sunday.
Pettitte struck out six and walked one.
"I threw 77 pitches, and that’s what I needed," Pettitte said. "It’s exactly what I wanted to do."
Originally slated to start the Yankees’ second game of the regular season, Pettitte has been slowed by back spasms and is scheduled to make his first start Saturday against Tampa Bay. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday, retroactive to March 21.
"I feel great," Pettitte said. "Everything felt good today. Got a lot of work in. Did I have to get to 77 pitches today because I’m a little short and behind everybody? Yeah. I’m ready for my start and just looking forward to continuing to build my strength up."
It was Pettitte’s first game action since March 17.
Ian Kennedy also pitched in the minor league game, giving up four hits in five scoreless innings. The right-hander, on line to start Friday’s game, struck out five and walked one.
"Everything felt real good after the first couple pitches in the first inning," Kennedy said.
Left-hander Sean Henn, who will start the season on the 15-day disabled list due to tendinitis in his throwing shoulder, is scheduled to pitch in a simulated game Monday. He worked an inning in a minor league game Friday.
Notes: The Yankees also placed a pair right-handed relievers on the 15-day DL Sunday: Jeff Karstens (strained right groin) and Humberto Sanchez (right elbow tendinitis). The Karstens move is retroactive to March 28, while the Sanchez move is retroactive to March 21.
