The New York Yankees officially announced that Andy Pettitte, who retired after the 2010 season only to unretire on March 16th, will make his 2012 debut on Sunday afternoon against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium.
Pettitte has made five minor-league starts so far, as he attempts to pitch himself back into shape. He is 0-2 with a 3.71 ERA, allowing 19 hits and striking out 13 against just three walks in 17 innings.
The Yankees are hoping that Pettitte can return to his 2010 form, when he went 11-3 with a 3.28 ERA, though he missed two months with a groin injury. Yankees pitching is in some flux – they demoted Freddy Garcia to the bullpen, are seeing Phil Hughes (2-4, 6.67 ERA) struggle, and lost closer Mariano Rivera to an ACL and meniscal tears with apparent unspecified complications. Rafael Soriano and David Robertson are picking up the slack in the set-up and closer roles.
The Mariners are planning to spoil Pettitte’s welcome home party on Sunday. They traditionally fare well at Yankee stadium and the baseball world will be watching with interest.
