TAMPA — Derek Jeter wasn’t shocked when Andy Pettitte signed a minor league deal with the Yankees.

“I knew he was itching,” Jeter said of Pettitte’s desire to return to the mound. “He was thinking about it.”

Those thoughts turned to reality when Pettitte agreed to a $2.5 million contract. He will be in camp Tuesday.

And while just about everyone in the Yankees’ clubhouse seemed thrilled with Pettitte’s return — even someone like Ivan Nova, who knows his spot in the rotation isn’t guaranteed, Freddy Garcia didn’t sound too pleased.

“You play with the Yankees, nothing surprises you,” said Garcia, still nursing a bruised right hand. “I don’t really care. That’s their decision. I have to pitch and that’s what I’m gonna do.”

He added that Pettitte’s presence wouldn’t impact what he did this spring.

“Not really,” Garcia said. “I’ve gotta still do my stuff. That’s all.”

Garcia was asked if he thought the signing was good for the team and replied: “I don’t know. Ask the people. I guess [it is].”

Nova seemed much more pleased to have another pitcher around.

“I feel so good he decided to come back,” Nova said. “I hope he can keep pitching.”

The right-hander spoke with Pettitte during last year’s playoffs, with the veteran telling Nova how to handle the pressure of the postseason. Nova could have an opportunity to learn a lot more.

“You know what? I feel more excited,” Nova said. “I know I gotta do more… I always say I’m in competition. It doesn’t matter if I win 20 games.”

Jeter had a different take than most as to what may have prompted the comeback.

“He retired mainly because he wanted to spend time with his family,” Jeter said. “Maybe Momma got tired of him a little bit.”

Jeter was kidding, but he was serious about liking the idea of having his former teammate around.

“He knows his ability and he knows what he’s capable of,” Jeter said. “He’s gotten smarter over the years.”

The shortstop was also confident Pettitte could return to his 2010 form, when he went 11-3 with a 3.28 for the Yankees.

“Yeah, why not?” Jeter said. “I don’t think he would come back if he didn’t think that.”

And Jeter thought the week Pettitte spent in camp last month influenced his decision.

“I don’t see how it wouldn’t affect him,” Jeter said. “If you think about doing something, then you get here and realize how much you miss it.”

And although no one can be sure how difficult it will be for Pettitte to complete the comeback, his teammates are confident he’s prepared to give it a shot.

“I don’t know exactly what he’s been doing, but one thing with Andy is that he works extremely hard,” Jeter said.