Veteran left-hander Andy Pettitte could make his long-awaited return to the mound for the New York Yankees as early as Tuesday. Sidelined since late June with a left ankle fracture, Pettitte says he is "ready" to return but is awaiting final approval from the team doctor, per The New York Times:

Pettitte, 40, may feel that he is ready, but the Yankees not yet convinced. They will send Pettitte to see Dr. Christopher Ahmad, the team physician, Friday. If he is cleared, Pettitte could conceivably start Tuesday at Yankee Stadium in place of David Phelps.

Pettitte has thrown several bullpens and three simulated games during his rehab -- the latest a four-inning, 55-pitch outing on Wednesday -- but has not had the opportunity to appear in a live-game setting because of the minor-league season coming to an end.

If Pettitte does return on Tuesday, the young right-hander Phelps is likely to return to his role as a long-man in the bullpen.