Andy Pettitte may get pushed harder in Monday start

Andy Pettitte will have a pitch limit of 85 to 90 pitches in Minnesota Monday night, although manager Joe Girardi “could push the envelope a little bit” in the 40-year-old lefthander’s second start since coming off the disabled list.

“I can’t think about pitch counts,” said Pettitte, who allowed four hits in five scoreless innings on Sept. 19 against the Blue Jays in his first start since recovering from a fractured left ankle. “I’m going to give them what I can,” he said Sunday. “I’m going to give them what I can. In my last game, I just took it as a normal game. The game’ll dictate what I do out there, it’s a normal start for me.”

Pettitte said he’s done a “little bit of running” since his last appearance to try to strengthen his legs and combat fatigue. “I’m just hoping as I get into a routine, I’ll feel better,” he said. “There’s no excuse; I plan on giving us a good start, we need a good start. I’m looking to go out there and make quality pitches. If I don’t, I’ll probably get knocked around a little bit.”