Report: Andy Pettitte to Decide on Playing Future by End of Next Week

by NESN Staff on Fri, Nov 23, 2012 at 3:28PM

Andy Pettitte is slated to make a decision on his future very soon.

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports that the verdict on whether the 40-year-old will return to the diamond for the 2013 season is expected to come by the end of next week.

Pettitte came out of retirement in the middle of last spring training to bolster the Yankees’ starting rotation. Despite sitting out the 2011 season, the southpaw looked sharp in his return, compiling a 5-4 record with a 2.87 ERA and 69 strikeouts.

Injuries limited the lefty to just 12 regular season starts in 2012, though. Back in June, Pettitte suffered a fractured left fibula after getting struck on the shin by a line drive against the Cleveland Indians. That prompted the Yankees to place him on the 60-day disabled list.

Pettitte, whose 19 postseason wins tops baseball’s all-time list, recovered in time to help the Yankees’ rotation in the playoffs. He delivered two quality starts — one start against the Orioles and another against the Tigers — in 13 2/3 innings. He fanned 10 batters and surrendered just five hits in those two starts.

Pettitte earned $2.5 million last season, and could seek a raise if he chooses to return.