TAMPA, Fla. -- New York Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte threw 42 pitches off a bullpen mound Wednesday and is scheduled to pitch in a minor league game Friday.

	Pettitte

	Clemens

Pettitte was scratched from his start last Friday because of a mild left elbow strain.

"I don't think it's 100 percent," Pettitte said. "About 95 percent. We'll see how it feels tomorrow and go from there. I'm going to be cautious. I've got plenty of time."

Yankees pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre, who missed the past couple days with a skin rash, watched the session in street clothes.

"He was all right," Stottlemyre said. "He was better than he thought he was. If he comes through OK, the plan will be to pitch Friday."

Roger Clemens is scheduled to make his next start on Sunday against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Vero Beach.

The 2001 Cy Young Award winner was hit outside his right ankle just above the bone by Dave Berg's two-out, infield single in the fourth inning of Tuesday's 3-0 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays.

"It's a lot better," Clemens said. "Not bad at all. It's still a little sore. I heal pretty fast."

Clemens rode a stationary bike, but said his running program might be limited for a couple days.

"X-rays were fine," Yankees manager Joe Torre said. "He shouldn't have any trouble pitching."

Pitcher Sterling Hitchcock, battling Orlando Hernandez and David Wells for the final two rotation spots, had an extensive bullpen session with Stottlemyre. Hitchcock is 1-1 with a 10.13 ERA in three games. He jammed his back earlier this spring, but reported no problems after his last outing Sunday.

Hitchcock will pitch Saturday against the Dodgers. Hernandez will start Saturday's spilt-squad game against the Boston Red Sox in Fort Myers.

Wells get the start for Thursday's game against the Cincinnati Reds in Sarasota.

The Yankees also released INF Manny Alexander and LHP Eric Gunderson.