Pettitte Injury Big Blow To Yanks

While the New York Yankees have the best record in the major leagues, a blow to their starting rotation is something that they did not need to see. Particularly with A.J. Burnett struggling, the Yankees could ill afford to lose anyone for an extended period of time. However, for the second time in 2 days, the Yanks saw a starting pitcher injured, however, this time around, it is a bit more serious.

Andy Pettitte is expected to miss 4 to 5 weeks of the season due to a Grade 1 strain of the left groin sustained in the Yankees victory over Tampa Bay on Sunday. Pettitte was enjoying perhaps the best season of his career thus far, posting an 11-2 record with a 2.88 ERA on the season, both near the tops in the American League. He, along with Phil Hughes, has been the most consistent contributor to a staff that has had it’s ups and downs. It is being said that long reliever Sergio Mitre will take his place for a spot start this Saturday, but it is unknown what the Yankees will do long-term, in a heated race with Tampa Bay for the AL East.

The blow cannot be underestimated to the Yankees staff. They were expected to have a deal in place with Seattle for ace Cliff Lee, but talks fell apart at the last second, and Texas swooped in to get the deal done for Lee. Mitre is serviceable, but it is unknown if he can handle 6-7 starts in midst of a pennant race. I expect the Yankees to perhaps make a push for Astros ace Roy Oswalt, but will the asking price be too high, especially when Houston considers the Yankees are in dire straits?

There are some lower end options available as well, but the Yankees won’t settle for anything less than the best. A.J. Burnett’s 0-5 with an 11 plus ERA in the month of June really puts the pressure on the Yankees to add to the rotation at any cost. Yes, Pettitte will return to the playoffs, but it is unknown how effective he can be coming off that serious of an injury that really affects a pitcher. Oswalt is a stud ace stuck on one of the majors worst teams. A move to New York, a true championship contender, would surely bring out the best in Oswalt, and would be a great addition, with or without Pettitte. I don’t think George Steinbrenner would have had it any other way.