TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Andy Pettitte is increasing his workload by throwing in a simulated game, and Yankees manager Joe Girardi thinks the 39-year-old left-hander could pitch in a spring training game next week.
Pettitte came out of retirement by agreeing to a minor league contract March 16.
He threw 20 pitches in batting practice Tuesday before making 13 more pitches to four batters in a simulated game. He will have another such session Friday or Saturday.
Also, Girardi said Hiroki Kuroda is lined up to follow opening day starter CC Sabathia, pitching at Tampa Bay on April 7.
That means Kuroda could be in place to start the Yankees' home opener April 13 against the Los Angeles Angels.
New York center fielder Curtis Granderson was a late scratch from Tuesday night's game against Toronto because of right elbow soreness.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said the move was precautionary. Granderson will have an MRI on Wednesday.
