Andy must rise on three days' rest

Yankees Blog

By MIKE PUMA

Last Updated: 3:18 PM, November 3, 2009

Posted: 3:41 AM, November 3, 2009

Comments: 15

| More

PHILADELPHIA -- Andy Pettitte needs to fare better on short rest than A.J. Burnett did last night or the Yankees could be in deep trouble.

It's rest today. Then it will be Pettitte tomorrow for Game 6 of the World Series at the Stadium.

Pettitte's lifetime 4-6 record with a 4.15 ERA on short rest should concern manager Joe Girardi.

The lefty last pitched on short rest in 2006 while still with the Astros.

Girardi would probably prefer to dismiss those numbers and point to the fact Pettitte won the AL East clincher in September, the ALDS clincher in Minnesota and the ALCS clincher against the Angels in The Bronx.

see more videos

So tomorrow, Pettitte can add the World Series clincher to that list and complete the Sombrero.

The lefty was the winning pitcher when the Yankees completed their sweep of the Padres in the 1998 World Series.

Pettitte wasn't sharp against the Phillies in Game 3 on Saturday, but battled long enough to get the victory.

YANKEES BLOG

BOX SCORE

PHOTOS: World Series Game 5

PHOTOS: Game 5 MVP

PHOTOS: Game 5 turning point

VIDEO: Burnett: 'Worse Feeling Ever'

VIDEO: Jeter: 'Lee Pitched Well Again'

AUDIO: Girardi Reacts to Game 5 Loss

He allowed four earned runs over six innings for his 17th career postseason victory and even delivered a game-tying RBI single against Cole Hamels.

Before last night's loss to the Phillies in Game 5 of the World Series, Girardi refused to name a starter for Game 6. After all, why think in defeatist terms?

"Andy is going to do his work, his light bullpen session and we'll see how he feels [today] if we need to," Girardi said.

That need has arisen.

Girardi's only other option would have been Chad Gaudin, but the right-hander hasn't started in a month. Girardi dismissed Gaudin as a potential Game 5 starter, so Game 6 is out of the question.

"Chad hasn't thrown much in the last month and that's a difficult spot to put him in," Girardi said.

Pettitte's last start on short rest for the Yankees came in 2001.

He made three starts on short rest for the Astros in 2006 and went 1-1 with a 3.79 ERA.

mpuma@nypost.com

| More

Comments (15)

Post Your Comment

Report Abuse

Yankee Steroids

11/03/2009 11:49 PM

Mariano Rivera is ready to do "whatever it takes" including all forms of performance enhancing drugs or human growth hormone...

"If's its in a vial...I'll inject it", said the 51 year old closer.
Report Abuse

oks2

11/03/2009 7:00 PM

d when the season is over we can all watch that other great NY team. UMMMMMM
Report Abuse

THE BUSTIEST TEAM IN BASEBALL !

11/03/2009 6:24 PM

With all those jugs how can you NOT suspect the Yankees of steroids!
Report Abuse

wickedasitseems

11/03/2009 4:25 PM

These guys are a disgrace, With all the money they spend, they should win every f*#king year!!
Report Abuse

gmad15

11/03/2009 2:50 PM

Andy Pennant will come through again. Pedro is in for a beat down.
Report Abuse

PhillyPhantastico

11/03/2009 2:40 PM

What is his 3-day rest record post-roid?
Report Abuse

laf

11/03/2009 2:35 PM

Let's just hope Girardi does not screw up again, he should of taken out Matsui and used a pinch runner for a steal or a hit and run to stay out of the motion killing dp. Why activate someone and then not use them in a critical situation.
Everyone knows Matsui can't run. Girardi did not help the cause.
Report Abuse

Fat Clemenza

11/03/2009 2:13 PM

It all depends on what the Yankee hitters do!...If Pettitte gets run support, he maybe can go a strong 5...then Hughes...then Joba! I don't care if the Yanks are winning by 10 runs going into the 9th, pitch Mariano!