Yanks' Pettitte on DL with strained groin

NEW YORK, July 20 (UPI) -- The New York Yankees placed veteran left-handed pitcher Andy Pettitte on the disabled list with a groin strain Tuesday.

General Manager Brian Cashman told Newsday he expected Pettitte will be out for 4-to-5 weeks. The newspaper said the hurler was diagnosed with a Grade 1 groin strain, the least severe.

The lefty grabbed the inner portion of his upper left leg after delivering a pitch in Sunday's 9-5 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. He came out of the game in the third inning after attempting one warmup pitch.

Pettitte is enjoying of the best seasons of his 15-year career, posting a 11-2 record with a 2.88 earned run average in 18 outings to help lead the Yankees into first place in the American League East.