TAMPA — Andy Pettitte is anxious to face hitters who aren’t his teammates.
Pettitte, likely to be the Yankees’ No. 3 starter, said he is ready for his first game action of spring training.
“I am hoping to get into a game now,’’ Pettitte said following a three-inning simulated game yesterday at Steinbrenner Field in which Derek Jeter was one of the hitters. “Hopefully I will get into a game the next time. Everything is feeling good.”
With the normal four days’ rest, Pettitte could pitch against the Phillies on Wednesday at Steinbrenner Field. That would put him in line for a minor league game March 17, an off day on the Yankees’ schedule.
“I didn’t think I was quite as sharp as the last time out with the command of my fastball, but everything else was good,” Pettitte said.
Jeter had five at-bats and collected a single to right.
Pettitte said it was strange throwing to Jeter, who once tripled and walked against Pettitte during a spring training game when Pettitte was an Astro.
“It was simulated, not that big of a deal,’’ Pettitte said. “It was a lot stranger when I was pitching for the Astros and came over here and pitched against him.”
* For a second straight day setup man David Robertson’s activity was limited to playing catch. Robertson couldn’t get loose in the bullpen Tuesday night during a game against the Braves and was scratched from making the two-game trip to Jupiter, Fla.
Manager Joe Girardi said Robertson will pitch in a game “fairly soon unless Larry [Rothschild, pitching coach] thinks he needs another bullpen [session].”
* Rothschild expressed optimism lefty reliever Boone Logan will be ready for Opening Day despite not having appeared in a game yet due to an elbow problem. The same can’t be said about lefty reliever Clay Rapada, who is shut down for seven to 10 days because of shoulder bursitis.
Phil Hughes is slated for a light bullpen session tomorrow.
* The Yankees fell to 3-10 with a 6-1 loss to the Marlins in Jupiter. Right-hander Adam Warren, who will start the season at Triple-A, gave up four runs and six hits in four innings.
