Yankees Rumors: Rafael Soriano, Andy Pettitte

New York Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte hinted that he’ll be back for the 2013 season, reports Mark Hale of The New York Post:

"I was expecting to do a little bit more work than that. But we’ll see. We’ll see how this goes, and then I’ll factor everything probably in."

Pettitte’s ankle injury from earlier in the season may actually be the reason he’s considering returning for 2013. The 40-year-old broke his ankle and only logged 75 1/3 innings in 2012, but when he did pitch he was impressive (5-4, 2.87 ERA).

Pettitte started Game 2 of the American League Division Series last night against the Baltimore Orioles. While he took the loss, he was solid over his seven innings of work, allowing three runs on seven hits and a walk with five strikeouts.

While it appears Pettitte will be back with the Yankees next season, it’s not clear if the same can be said for reliever Rafael Soriano.

Soriano is expected to opt out of his current contract with the Yankees, which would make him a free agent. While he could then re-sign with New York, similarly to how C.C. Sabathia did last offseason, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com isn’t sure if the right-hander will fit into the Yankees’ long-term plans.

New York would certainly like to have Soriano in their ‘pen for the foreseeable future, but the price may not be right. Heyman notes that the Yankees are aiming to get their payroll under the $189 million luxury tax threshold by 2014. Soriano could seek a multi-year deal nearing $10 million per, which Heyman says may price him out of New York’s plans.