Due to rain on Tuesday, the New York Yankees will now be taking on the Toronto Blue Jays in a split-doubleheader that kicks of at 1:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Sept. 19.  With New York now a half a game behind the first place Baltimore Orioles, winning is crucial as the October playoffs creep near.  

After being on the sidelines with a fractured ankle since April, left-handed veteran Andy Pettitte will return to the mound in game one for the Yankees. New York is hoping that the pitcher can give the team the momentum it needs heading into the stretch run. 

They are 5-6 in the month of September, which includes a 4-3 loss on Tuesday to the disappointing Boston Red Sox.  To top it off, the Yankees have a team earned run average of 4.16, 18th in the MLB.

New York had a 6.5-game lead upon starting off the month of August. However, their pitching rotation woes have not kept up with their offensive production.

The 40-year-old Pettitte pitched in nine games before going on the disabled list. In those starts, he put up a 3-3 record with a 3.22 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. Pettitte's numbers in 2010 were equally impressive, as he posted an 11-3 record with a 3.28 ERZ and 1.27 WHIP. He retired in 2010 only to make a comeback.

The all-star hurler will face a struggling Toronto offense on Wednesday. Although the Blue Jays were the third ranked team in runs scored, they have simmered down and are now 27th in the category.

Pettitte had the following to say, according to the team's official website, regarding his highly-anticipated start on Wednesday: 

"I'm going to go out there, hope I can get in a good rhythm, have my command and I'll throw the ball well. If I don't, if I'm walking guys, and my command isn't good, I'm going to get hit, I'm going to get knocked around. That's just the way it is."

Game two of the double matchup will start at 7:05 p.m. ET.

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Tags: mlb yankees