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Pettitte, Yankees look to even series vs. Rays

Apr 5, 2008 - 1:05 PM Tampa Bay (2-1) at NY Yankees (2-2) 1:05 pm EDT

BRONX, New York (Ticker) - An offseason that included a prominent mention in the Mitchell Report, a congressional affidavit and an admission of human growth hormone use comes to an end Saturday for Andy Pettitte.

The lefthander makes his first start of the season as the New York Yankees host the Tampa Bay Rays.

The veteran was dragged into the spotlight when former teammate and friend Roger Clemens decided to take legal action against a trainer that the pitchers shared, causing a media firestorm that led to the congressional involvement.

Pettitte briefly considered retirement after the 2007 campaign, but decided to return to the Yankees on a one-year, $16 million contract.

The 35-year-old arrived late to spring training and was placed on the disabled list in late March after experiencing back spasms.

He was a valuable member of the Yankees pitching staff in 2007, posting a 15-9 record with a 4.05 ERA in 34 starts.

The team will look to Pettitte to stop the bleeding after the Rays pounded their way to a 13-4 victory in the series opener on Friday. Carlos Pena and Cliff Floyd each homered as Tampa Bay pounded out 15 hits.

The Rays will send No. 5 starter Edwin Jackson. The 24-year-old righthander spent his first full season in the rotation in 2007, managing just a 5-15 mark with a 5.76 ERA in 32 games - 31 starts.

Jackson improved over the last two months, going 3-5 with a 4.18 ERA.