After taking the mound for the Yankees in his return from retirement –– where he allowed four runs and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings –– the 39-year-old didn't exactly shine like last did in 2010, when he posted an 11-3 record with a 3.28 ERA. It wasn't up to his capabilities by any means.
Despite suffering the loss against Seattle, Pettitte proved his worth after a year away from the game. He offered the Yankees longevity in his swift return while providing a dose of stability of quality pitching.
To put it in perspective, Pettitte's season-debut outing lasted just as long as a handful of appearances from the starters on the Red Sox' rotation. For a pitcher making his first start since Game 3 of the 2010 American League Championship Series, it was a respectable performance.
In the wake of Michael Pineda's season-ending injury, Pettitte's veteran presence and experience was necessary. Since Freddy Garcia was demoted to the bullpen, it became even more beneficial.
Even at 39, Pettitte still packs a punch in a rotation that features CC Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda, Ivan Nova and Phil Hughes. He brings a left-handed arm that has collected 240 career victories.
The return was certainly a gamble for Pettitte. But in four starts in the minors, the southpaw finished with a 3.71 ERA –– allowing just seven earned runs in 17 innings –– while striking out 13 batters.
It will likely take a few more outings for Pettitte to regain the form that made him a three-time All-Star. Once he shakes off the rust from his 19-month hiatus, though, he could wind up becoming one of the biggest offseason acquisitions for the Yankees.
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