Andy Pettitte hurt fielding grounder

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NEW YORK -- Andy Pettitte's left hand was swollen after he made a barehanded snag in Sunday's 5-4 win against the New York Mets, but the New York Yankees' starter expects to make his next start Saturday against the Washington Nationals.

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An X-ray on Pettitte's hand showed only a bruise. His next bullpen session is scheduled for Wednesday, and Pettitte said an extra day of rest before facing the Nationals should help.

"I don't think it will be any problem at all," said the veteran, who had his left hand wrapped in the clubhouse after Sunday's game. "As soon as the swelling gets out, it's going to be fine."

In the sixth inning, Pettitte reached back to snare a one-hopper from Scott Hairston with his left hand. After Pettitte tossed the ball to first base for the first out of the frame, manager Joe Girardi and assistant trainer Mark Littlefield came out to check on the pitcher.

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"You worry whenever a pitcher grabs a ball barehanded," Girardi said. "Hope that nothing is broken. This is just a bruise and should go away."

Pettitte tossed a few pitches to make sure he could keep going, and ultimately stayed in the game. He said the ball hit him high up on his hand, near his fingers. Pettitte added that he doesn't usually try to make those types of plays, opting to let the fielders do their jobs.

"It's just a reaction. I saw the ball and threw my hand up," Pettitte said. "Not a smart play, obviously, but it's just a reaction play when you're out there and all of a sudden you see the ball right there. Unfortunately that happened."

Pettitte said he probably should have left the game after the play since it was tough to throw pitches after making it. He struck out Lucas Duda for the second out of the sixth and retired Vinny Rottino on on a deep drive to right to end his day. Pettitte mentioned being able to pitch off muscle memory to get through those two outs.

"I didn't have any feel," Pettitte said. "I was very fortunate to get out of that inning. I was glad I was able to get through that inning."

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Matt Ehalt

ESPN New York contributor

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