Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte to retire
New York Yankees starter Andy Pettitte pitches to the Toronto Blue Jays during first inning MLB American League baseball action in Toronto, Tuesday, Sept.17, 2013. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Frank Gunn)
NEW YORK >> Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte will retire after this season.
The team announced Pettitte’s decision in a news release today, hours before opening its final homestand of the season. The 41-year-old left-hander says he has exhausted himself mentally and physically and knows the time is right.
Pettitte initially retired after the 2010 season, but he sat out only one year before returning to the Yankees. He is scheduled to make two more starts this season, including Sunday when the club will honor Mariano Rivera at Yankee Stadium.
Rivera, baseball’s career saves leader, also is retiring.
Pettitte holds the major league record with 19 postseason wins. His final start is scheduled for next weekend in Houston, his hometown. Pettitte pitched for the Astros from 2004-06.
