Burnett expects to start in Texas
Yankees starting pitcher A.J. Burnett reacts while pitching in the top of the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays. (Aug. 2, 2010) Credit: Christopher Pasatieri
A.J. Burnett said it was something he never felt before and hopes not to feel again.
Burnett, scratched from Sunday night's start because of tightness in his lower back while throwing a flat-ground session on Saturday, said Monday he expects to make his start Tuesday night in Texas.
After throwing in the bullpen, the righthander said he's good to go.
"It's good," Burnett said in the clubhouse after yesterday's game. "No discomfort whatsoever."
Before the game Burnett said he still isn't sure what happened. He didn't slip while throwing and experience any awkward movements.
"It just felt like it gave out," Burnett said.
Burnett, who has never had back issues, told Joe Girardi when he arrived at the park Sunday he wanted to give his start a try but was rebuffed. Which was a good thing, Burnett said.
"It was the right call," he said. "The extra day totally helped."
After coming through a second straight bullpen session without pain, Andy Pettitte headed to Tampa where he'll throw a simulated game Thursday. After that, he'll make a rehab appearance either next Monday or Tuesday. He's hoping to return to the rotation either Aug. 21 or Aug. 22.
"I'm not going to come back and do something stupid," Pettitte said. "I realize I'm not here to win one game in August."
Catching rotation
Jorge Posada caught a third straight game Monday - the first time he's done that since May - something that Girardi said he'd keep an eye on. Posada's left knee was packed in ice after the game but he said "it's fine."
As for the catching rotation, Francisco Cervelli will catch Burnett and Javier Vazquez, and Posada will catch everyone else.
"This is what we're going to do," Girardi said. "I believe it's easier if you have the same catcher working with the same guy all the time."
Extra bases
Girardi gave Brett Gardner, 2-for-21 on the homestand, the day off. "Gardy's been scuffling a little bit," Girardi said. "I thought I'd give him a day." Gardner, who pinch ran for Alex Rodriguez in the eighth, is expected to be back in Tuesday night, while Curtis Granderson gets the night off against lefty C.J. Wilson . . . On the six-game trip, Girardi said to expect Nick Swisher to get a day off and for Derek Jeter, Rodriguez and possibly Mark Teixeira to DH.
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