Yankees’ Andy Pettitte will start Tuesday

The New York Yankees, in a tight race for the AL East pennant, are clearing a rotation spot for left-hander Any Pettitte to start.

The Yankees will start Pettitte Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium against the Blue Jays.

Pettitte hasn’t pitched in the majors since fracturing his left ankle on June 27.

After a discussion with general manager Brian Cashman, Dr. Chris Ahmad, trainer Steve Donohue and manager Joe Girardi, the decision to start Pettitte on Tuesday was made.

Via the NY Post: “I’m excited. Been a long time coming. I want to get back in the mix and help this team,’’ Pettitte said before the Yankees were able to stay tied with the Orioles in the AL East, thanks to a 2-0 victory over the Red Sox Thursday night at Fenway Park. “I know they were somewhat concerned that they were rushing me. Whether it’s later in the week it was a rush job anyway. I feel healthy. I just want to get back in the mix. I feel 100 percent. I’m being honest with them. You don’t know what’s going to happen when you get out there in the heat of the game. I know my leg is 100 percent, so that’s the big thing.”

Pettitte says he is ready to help the Yankees beat out the Orioles and Rays for the AL East title.

“That’s what you come back for. Obviously, it would be nice to have a lead. It would be nice to know we were headed to the postseason right now and not have to worry about it,’’ Pettitte said. “I want to be part of that solution and not watch it.’’

Pettitte is 3-3 this season with a 3.22 ERA. He sat out the 2011 season and went 11-3 with a 3.28 ERA in 2010.

Pettitte will take David Phelps spot in the rotation.