NEW YORK — Add starting pitcher Andy Pettitte to the long list of All-Stars on the New York Yankees’ disabled list.
Pettitte was placed on the 15-day DL Friday because of a strained left trapezius muscle in his upper back. He expects to return as soon as he is eligible.
“We don’t think it’s overly serious but we want to play it safe,” general manager Brian Cashman said. “I didn’t expect him to give us 200 innings this year, regardless.”
Vidal Nuno is being recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and will move into a rotation already missing Ivan Nova.
Pettitte is the 13th Yankees player to serve a stint on the DL and the 11th currently sidelined. He joins shortstops Derek Jeter and Eduardo Nunez, first baseman Mark Teixeira, third basemen Alex Rodriguez and Kevin Youkilis, catcher Francisco Cervelli, starting pitchers Ivan Nova and Michael Pineda, and relievers Joba Chamberlain and Cesar Cabral on the sidelines.
Curtis Granderson returned this week from a broken forearm, and right-hander Phil Hughes also missed time last month.
Despite all the injuries and roster shuffling — the Yankees have used 35 players this year — New York began Friday in first place in the AL East at 25-16.
The left-handed Pettitte, who will turn 41 next month, was trying for his 250th win Thursday when the muscle began to spasm. He left the game against Seattle with two outs in the fifth inning.
Notes: Teixeira (wrist), who is working out in Tampa, said he expects to soon start playing in extended spring training games. … Rodriguez (hip surgery) played catch for 7 minutes at up to around 120 feet, and he had an extensive tee and soft toss hitting session in a batting cage.
Pettitte (4-3), who missed a start in April because of lower back problems, understood the move but still wasn’t happy.
“Anytime you got to go on the DL it’s disappointing,” Pettitte said. “It spasmed up so bad last night that I think I’m sore from that. … But I feel good.”
A’s Anderson out for up to six weeks
OAKLAND, Calif. — Oakland Athletics left-hander Brett Anderson could miss up to six weeks after he was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right foot.
Oakland’s opening day starter was on a rehab assignment when he felt pain in his foot while running in the outfield, the team said Friday. Anderson, who came back from Tommy John surgery last year, has been on the disabled list since May 1 with a sprained right ankle.
He is 1-4 with a 6.21 ERA in six appearances, including five starts.
Anderson also pitched in relief during a 19-inning marathon on April 29, a game he was originally slated to start before being scratched.
On Friday, the A’s promoted left-hander Hideki Okajima from Triple-A Sacramento and designated right-hander Chris Resop for assignment.
The 37-year-old Okajima was 0-1 with a 2.16 ERA in 14 games with the River Cats. He last appeared in the major leagues with the Boston Red Sox in 2011.
