NEW YORK — Alex Rodriguez and Andy Pettitte are closer to rejoining the Yankees.
Pettitte threw 50 pitches in a simulated game Saturday morning and said he had no problems with the strained left groin that’s kept him out since July 19.
“I didn’t feel anything,” Pettitte said. “It was great. A step in the right direction.”
One of the batters he faced was Rodriguez, sidelined with a strained left calf. The slugger said he’s close to being ready to play. He will meet with Yankees staff to determine if he will come off the disabled list today, the first day he’s eligible.
Pettitte plans to throw a bullpen session Monday, and the next step for him could be a rehab start in a minor-league playoff game next week. If all goes well, he could return to the rotation the following week.
Silva set to return
CHICAGO — Cubs pitcher Carlos Silva is scheduled to start Tuesday against Houston after missing more than a month because of a heart problem.
He takes the spot of Tom Gorzelanny, who will miss at least one turn in the rotation after being hit in the left hand by a line drive against Pittsburgh on Wednesday.
Footnotes.
Rangers pitcher Cliff Lee felt some discomfort in the area of his back where he recently got a cortisone shot, and he didn’t go through with his scheduled bullpen session, throwing in the outfield instead. He will try to throw off a mound today, and then a decision will be made about whether he will start Tuesday at Toronto.
• Mets ace Johan Santana (pectoral muscle) expects to know if he’ll make his next start after a bullpen session today.
