Andy Pettitte ready to return Tuesday night

Weather permitting, Andy Pettitte is set to return to the mound for the Yankees on Tuesday night.

Pettitte, 40, hasn't pitched since June 27, when he suffered a fractured left fibula when he was hit with a one-hop smash by Cleveland's Casey Kotchman. The Yankees hope the presence of Pettitte (3-3, 3.22) and Ivan Nova, who pitched well Saturday in his return from the disabled list, will buoy their rotation in the final 16 games. They have a half-game lead over the Orioles, who beat the Mariners, 10-4, Monday night in Seattle.

"I expect Andy to be Andy and to compete like he always does," manager Joe Girardi said. "The only unfortunate thing is he's not built up to 100 pitches. If you get five good innings out of him and about 70 pitches, I mean, that would be great."

Pettitte couldn't make any rehab starts because the minor-league season ended two weeks ago. Bullpen sessions and simulated games don't have him fully built up, but it will have to do.

"I feel like I was in a really good place when I got hurt, as far as being aggressive in the strike zone," he said. "I was throwing all my pitches for strikes, and I'm hoping to get right back into there. I know how I want to attack hitters. Even though I've been out for a couple of months, I know exactly what's expected out there, and I'm ready for it. I'm looking forward to it being a battle, and I feel like I'm ready for that physically and mentally. I don't feel pressure. I really don't. I know I'm going to go out there, hope I can get in a good rhythm, have my command and throw the ball well. If I don't -- If I'm walking guys, if my command's not good -- I'm going to get hit around. That's just the way it is."