ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte is set to rejoin the rotation Sunday against the Orioles.
Pettitte has been sidelined since June 19 by a strained left groin. With his return, Javier Vazquez will shift to a long relief role.
A.J. Burnett will start the opener of a three-game series at Baltimore on Friday. CC Sabathia will pitch Saturday, which also lines up the 19-game winner to face Tampa Bay’s 17-game winner David Price five days later in the final game of a four-game series with the Rays.
• Injured outfielders Nick Swisher (left knee) and Brett Gardner (right wrist) could return to the starting lineup this weekend.
• The Yankees signed left-hander Royce Ring to a major-league contract.
Mets’ Mejia leaves start
NEW YORK — Jenrry Mejia of the Mets left his start against the Pirates in the third inning after straining a muscle in the back of his shoulder.
The Mets said the right-hander went for an MRI to evaluate what they called an acute strain.
Footnotes.
Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew missed his third consecutive game with a sprained ankle.
• Indians manager Manny Acta said right-hander Justin Masterson will replace Mitch Talbot (shoulder) for Saturday’s start in Kansas City.
• Reds third baseman Scott Rolen got the night off after a swing in his third at-bat Tuesday left him with stiffness in his neck and upper back.
• The Padres claimed right-hander Cesar Carrillo off waivers from the Phillies and designated right-hander Craig Italiano for assignment.
• Outfielder Justin Upton was scratched from Arizona’s lineup after reporting a flare-up of the left shoulder irritation that had sidelined him for nine games from Aug. 31 through Sept. 10.
• Orioles manager Buck Showalter said there’s a 50-50 chance rookie right-hander Jake Arrieta will be shut down before pitching again this season.
• Al LaMacchia, a former executive with the Blue Jays during their World Series championships and a longtime scout for several teams including the Los Angeles Dodgers, died at his home in San Antonio following a stroke Sept. 4. He was 89.
The Associated Press
