Pettitte could return to mound on Tuesday

Andy Pettitte has made two rehab starts for Double-A Round Rock and expects to return to the Houston rotation Tuesday against Chicago at Wrigley Field. Pettitte has been on the disabled list since May 27 with a left forearm strain. Before that, he missed time because of a tendon injury. He spoke to the Dallas Morning News about his recovery and what the Astros need to do to turn around their season:

So how’s this been, dealing with two different injuries this season?

“The first thing was scary, being a tendon. This is a muscle. It’s going to build itself up. I feel like I’m still in spring training, and the rest of the team is in all-star mode.”

Have you cut back on some of the workout regiment that you and Roger Clemens do so vigorously during the season?

“I’ve toned back some of the stuff since I injured my forearm. But I’m still doing the same stuff with my legs.”

Where do you want to be physically when you come back?

“I want to get back and be healthy. I want to be able to pitch seven or eight innings. I’ll be disappointed if I’m not able to do that when I get back. The last time I came back, I tried to protect the tendon. I want to be ready this time.”

What’s the key to getting this team going? Is it getting you back to add depth to the rotation, back with Clemens, Roy Oswalt and Wade Miller?

“Roy is the big key. He’s got some of the best stuff I’ve ever seen.”