TAMPA — Andy Pettitte increased his workload by throwing in a simulated game, and Yankees manager Joe Girardi thinks the 39-year-old left-hander could pitch in a spring training game next week.

Pettitte came out of retirement by agreeing to a minor league contract March 16.

He threw 20 pitches in batting practice Tuesday before making 13 more pitches to four batters in a simulated game. He will have another such session Friday or Saturday.

Also, Girardi said Hiroki Kuroda is lined up to follow opening-day starter CC Sabathia, pitching at Tampa bay on April 7 at Tampa Bay. That means Kuroda could be in place to start the Yankees’ home opener April 13 against the Los Angeles Angels.