Mike Mussina plans to pitch Thursday, giving the Yankees one of their top starters back as they chase a playoff spot. Mussina has not pitched in September because of inflammation near his elbow. He said Tuesday he expects to return for the finale of a four-game series with Baltimore, likely on a pitch count of about 80. Manager Joe Torre would not say for sure that Mussina would be the starter because he hadn't had a chance to speak to his pitcher. But he indicated Mussina would get the nod as long as he convinced Torre that he felt comfortable. "If that's the case, we'll pencil him in for Thursday," Torre said.