Andy Pettitte’s return to the New York Yankees was pushed back a day because of rain, while Johnny Damon’s injured calf left him unsure when he’ll play again.
The scheduled game between New York and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Wednesday afternoon was postponed, washing out what would have been Pettitte’s first start in pinstripes since the 2003 World Series.
“It’s definitely disappointing because you’re ready. You want to get this day over with because you’re so excited for it to get here,” Pettitte said. “I’m obviously anxious to get out there.”
No makeup date was announced. After the series finale tonight, Tampa Bay isn’t slated to visit Yankee Stadium again until July 20.
Both scheduled starters were bumped back one day, so Pettitte will pitch against Jae Seo tonight.
It sounds as though Damon won’t be behind him in center field. New York’s speedy leadoff hitter has a sore right calf and wasn’t in the posted lineup.
“I could barely walk,” Damon said. “It felt like cramps the other day, but it’s definitely much worse than that.”
MLB: After negotiations that went into extra innings, baseball struck a deal to keep its “Extra Innings” package of out-of-market games on cable television.
Baseball and iN Demand reached an agreement in principle on a seven-year contract, a deal that likely will allow the sport’s new TV network to be available in at least 40 million homes when it launches in 2009.
Royals: Kansas City put closer Octavio Dotel on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained muscle on his left side.
Braves: Right-hander Kyle Davies was recalled from Triple-A Richmond to replace Lance Cormier (sore shoulder), who was put on the DL.
Cardinals: Manager Tony La Russa said right-hander Chris Carpenter, scratched from his next start Tuesday because of elbow inflammation, was feeling better.
Tigers: Right-hander Jose Mesa will be available today after serving a two-game suspension for a beanball incident last season while he was with the Rockies.
Mariners: The team and shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt agreed to a multimillion-dollar, three-year contract extension.
