In today’s Under The Knife column (subs. req’d), Will Carroll mentions that based on what we know right now, Andy Pettitte is likely headed towards a stint on the disabled list, even if it’s nothing more than precautionary. “Pettitte’s elbow issue is not near the flexor tendon, where he had previous problems,” says Carroll, “but instead seems to be in the ‘back’ of the arm, near the triceps and could indicate some UCL issue. Joe Girardi indicated that Pettitte had some forearm issues earlier this season, so this could be some sort of cascade or a mechanical issue that’s translating toward whatever the weakest point of the arm is at any moment.”
It’s scary anytime the UCL gets mentioned, but remember that part is just Carroll speculating. As for a DL stint, I wouldn’t be surprised by one at all. They could stick him on the 15-day retroactive to yesterday, which would mean he’s eligible to come off on the 20th. If Pettitte’s injury is minor and he’s able to return after two weeks, then you’re looking at just two Sergio Mitre starts (the 11th and 16th). It’ll also allow the Yanks to bring up an extra reliever instead of carrying a dead roster spot. We’ll know more in the coming days, but as I said this morning, it’s better to be safe than sorry at this point of the season.
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