Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte skipped a simulated game on Thursday after experiencing some stiffness in his left hip flexor. New York manager Joe Girardi acknowledged he was concerned about the 38-year-old left-hander's ability to return to the rotation this month. "God, we'd love to have him back as soon as possible but it is what it is and we have to deal with it," Girardi said. Pettitte told Girardi he felt stiffness in the area of his left hip flexor -- on the same side as the groin strain he suffered while pitching against the Rays on July 19 at Yankee Stadium. "He said it felt a little stiff, so he backed off, which was smart," Girardi said. "Hopefully he feels good and he can do his simulated game [Friday]. But if it takes a couple of extra days, it takes a couple of extra days. We're gonna be cautious with it."