Pettitte Resumes Bullpen Session, Remains On Target To Start 3rd Game Of Season

Tampa, FL (AHN) - Left-hander Andy Pettitte drew closer to becoming the New York Yankees' third-day starter after throwing 36 pitches in a bullpen session on Wednesday.

Pettitte did not show any ill effects of back spasms which forced his scheduled start for Day 2 to be pushed back. He will report again to camp tomorrow and throw in a bullpen session before playing in a minor league game slated Saturday. Barring any setbacks, the 35-year-old lefty will be on course to take the hill opposite Toronto on April 3.

"I can just tell that I feel a whole lot better," Pettitte said. "This morning when I woke up, it loosened up nice for me. I think I'm to the point where now I have to push it and it'll start getting better."

"I know that's how it was last year when I hurt it," he added. "It's kind of scary because you don't want to set it back, but if you get through a little bit of discomfort, it loosens up and then it stays loose. I've had enough time off now where it should be on its way."

Mike Mussina has already taken Pettite's place as the second-day starter while Phil Hughes will be in line to replace him should his back begins to tighten up again before spring camp closes. Chien-Ming Wang is the Yankees' Opening Day starter against the Blue Jays.