Improved Pettitte may be ready for season start

Andy Pettitte might be ready for the New York Yankees when the season starts, but the AL champions could be missing Robin Ventura.

Pettitte, pitching in a major league spring training game for the first time since March 3, allowed one run in four innings of New York's 4-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday in Clearwater, Fla.

Pettitte had thrown twice in minor league games since being scratched from a start on March 8 because of a strained left elbow.

Also Monday, third baseman Robin Ventura sprained his left ankle and is questionable for next week's season opener.

PHILLES:Utility player Tomas Perez injured his left knee on a hard takeout slide by Shane Spencer and his status for the season is uncertain.

PIRATES:Outfielder Armando Rios, still recovering from reconstructive left knee surgery, bruised his right knee during a hard collision with Minnesota first baseman Mike Cuddyer.

ONLINE CHAT:Baseball commissioner Bud Selig will answer questions from fans during a one-hour online chat today.

Fans can submit questions at baseball's site, mlb.com, beginning at 1 p.m. CST on Tuesday. Selig will the answer questions at 2 p.m.

-- From wire reports