Andy Pettitte Dealing with Back Issues

Via the New York Daily News:

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As if two months on the disabled list with a groin injury weren’t enough, Andy Pettitte has been dealing with some minor back problems this week.

Pettitte’s back stiffened up on him during Friday’s start against the Red Sox, in which he allowed seven runs in 3.1 innings. Pettitte said he was “pretty stiff” throughout the game, which could have led to his lack of location.

“The next day, I knew I was going to be fine,” Pettitte told the Daily News. “But you don’t want to have anything going on, especially after what I’ve been through with my groin.”

Pettitte was slated to start Wednesday night, but after the Yankees clinched their playoff spot on Tuesday, his start was moved to Friday night. Pettitte threw his bullpen session Wednesday and said he would have no problem taking the ball against the Red Sox.

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Without Pettitte, the Yankees aren’t going anywhere in the playoffs, so it is important to make sure he’s healthy. At the same time, it isn’t a big shock that he would have some back problems after missing so much time. It’s a good thing the Yankees locked it up when they did so Pettitte could get some extra time off. From what it sounds like, that’s all he needs. It is something to pay attention to though.

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