Andy Pettitte has a "small, persistent strain" of his left groin and will not throw off a mound for at least a week.With the lead in the AL East completely gone, the Yankees really need Pettitte in that rotation, so this is obviously not good news.
An MRI of Pettitte performed during the Yankees' game Monday night against the Tigers revealed the continued presence of the injury. Pettitte had thrown off flat ground in the outfield before the game, then moved to the bullpen where he threw approximately 40 pitches, off a half-mound and a full mound.
Afterward, Pettitte informed the Yankees that the same discomfort that caused to him to cut short a simulated game last Friday in Tampa had recurred, and he was taken to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital for an MRI the Yankees characterized as precautionary.
"They're basically doing this to set his mind at ease," a team spokesman said.
...With this latest setback, it is unknown when Pettitte will be able to pitch again. He did not speak to reporters after his bullpen session, but released a statement.
"I'm feeling better," he said. "When I reach back 100 percent like when I'm trying to get a hitter out in a game, the groin area grabs."
