Pettitte scratched from start

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Andy Pettitte was scratched from today's start against the Tampa Rays suffering from mild stiffness in his left elbow.

Pettite has had a long history of elbow problems. While the Yankees are putting a good face on it - GM Brian Cashman indicating his level of concern was low - Pettitte had been throwing well and seemed to be on schedule with starting the season on time despite a busy off season which included being named in the Mitchell Report and giving a deposition to Congressional lawyers on admitted use of human growth hormone as well as what he knew about personal trainer Brian McNamee and teammate and friend Roger Clemens' use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Pettitte has spent much of the pre-season apologizing to teammates, media and everyone else for his actions.

Yanks manager Joe Girardi said Pettitte wanted to pitch and was upset by the decision to hold him back, but Girardi said, "A pitcher is used to pitching with aches and pains, but now is not the time. I told him not to pick up a baseball."

Each of the three AL East teams have now suffered a setback with significant starters. Josh Beckett has had his back stiffness, Pettitte has his problem and Toronto Casey Janssen, who was a top reliever for the Jays and was projected to be a starter, is now out for the season with a torn labrum.