Pettitte's MRI Shows Groin Strain
NEW YORK (AP) Andy Pettitte will back off his rehabilitation program of throwing from a mound because tests showed his left groin has not improved.
The Yankees say that an MRI administered Tuesday night showed a "small persistent strain of the left groin." The team said he will continue to throw off flat ground but will not throw off a mound for a week.
Listen: Brian Cashman on the Yankees' injuries
Pettitte threw about 40 pitches, combined between halfway up the mound and on the mound, during batting practice Tuesday. He then spent about 20 minutes in a whirlpool before going to a hospital for the MRI.
"I'm feeling better," Pettitte said in a statement. "When I reach back 100 percent like I'm trying to get a batter out during a game the groin area grabs."
The Yankees said Pettitte wanted to have the MRI to put his mind at ease.
Pettitte, 11-2 with a 2.88 ERA, has been on the disabled list since July 20. He felt a little stiffness in the groin Friday while throwing 50 pitches in a simulated game in Tampa, Fla.
Also, Alex Rodriguez was out of the Yankees' lineup for their game against the Detroit Tigers because of tightness in his left calf.
"He's still a little sore," said Yankees manager Joe Girardi, who wasn't sure if A-Rod could pinch hit.
Nick Swisher, however, returned to the lineup, saying he will be smarter about taking big swings to protect his sore right elbow.
It's a sharp pain. It's more of a zing when it happens, then it goes away," Swisher said. "These are the dog days right now. This is when the grind starts and I want to be out there."
He hit a two-run single off Justin Verlander in the first inning Tuesday.
Both players left during the Yankees' 3-1 loss Monday to Detroit with the injuries.
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