Andy Pettitte may get pushed harder in Monday start

Andy Pettitte will have a limit of 85 to 90 pitches in Minnesota Monday night, although manager Joe Girardi "could push the envelope a little bit" in the 40-year-old lefthander's second start since coming off the disabled list.

"I can't think about pitch counts," said Pettitte, who allowed four hits in five scoreless innings Wednesday against the Blue Jays in his first start since recovering from a fractured left ankle.

"I'm going to give them what I can," he said Sunday. "I'm going to give them what I can. In my last game, I just took it as a normal game. The game will dictate what I do out there. It's a normal start for me."

Pettitte said he's done a "little bit of running" since his last appearance to try to strengthen his legs and fight off fatigue.

"I'm just hoping as I get into a routine, I'll feel better," he said. "There's no excuse; I plan on giving us a good start, we need a good start.

"I'm looking to go out there and make quality pitches. If I don't, I'll probably get knocked around a little bit."

Teixeira may return soon

Mark Teixeira is in Tampa rehabbing from a left calf strain that has caused him to miss the last 13 games, but he could rejoin the club on the seven-game trip to Minnesota and Toronto. Teixeira hasn't played since aggravating the injury Sept. 8.

"I hope so," Girardi said. "It all depends what happens in Florida and how well it goes. He's had more time than the last time [he sat] . . . He feels pretty good."

Dress-up day

For rookie dress-up day, the Yankees played music from "Star Wars" in the clubhouse after the game. Here were the outfits: David Phelps as Princess Leia; Cody Eppley as Luke Skywalker; Adam Warren as Han Solo, and Melky Mesa as Darth Vader.