Pettitte Likely Headed To DL

The Yankees series win over the Rays was tempered a bit by the news that Andy Pettitte is likely head to the DL with a groin strain.

Pettitte felt something awry in the 3rd inning of today's game and left after consulting with Joe Girardi and trainer Gene Monahan. An MRI revealed a Grade 1 strain and though Girardi is taking a wait-and-see attitude, he also feels Pettitte is likely to be DLed.

The Yankees choices for the rotation include Sergio Mitre, Dustin Moseley, and Chad Gaudin among the current Yankees and Ivan Nova in Scranton. Though he's on the same pitching schedule as Pettitte, it is very unlikely that the Yankees would call up Nova's teammate and prospect David Phelps, who started the season at Double-A Trenton.

Update 9:55 pm - Brian Cashman told the media that Andy Pettitte is expected to miss 4-5 weeks. For now, Sergio Mitre will take Pettitte's spot in the rotation.