Looking Like Andy's Targeting a Mid May Return

From Mark Hale:

The way things looked for Andy Pettitte after yesterday’s minor league outing, it seemed possible he would need just two more starts before rejoining the Yankees. Pettitte’s return to the major league seemed imminent, meaning Phil Hughes might get just two more turns to solve his woes.

Both Pettitte and Hughes, however, will be getting more time.

Following Pettitte’s second minor league game yesterday in Tampa, manager Joe Girardi said the un-retired lefty still will make four more starts in the minors.

“I consider this his second start,” Girardi said, “and usually you give a guy six starts.”

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said last night Pettitte will have just four days’ rest before pitching on Friday. If he continues on that schedule for his next four minor league outings, he would make his last one on May 5. Barring physical setbacks, Pettitte would be lined up to pitch for the Yankees as early as May 10 at home against the Rays.

Pettitte had no trouble against Single-A Clearwater, firing four scoreless, allowing two hits and no walks and striking out three. He got up to 47 pitches, throwing 31 for strikes

Hughes gets yet another life line as he'll now get at least four more starts while the Yanks wait for Pettitte. Hopefully he can at least keep the Yankees in those games, but forgive me for not being too optimistic.