TAMPA, Fla. — Andy Pettitte began his first stint as a Yankees guest instructor today. He spent most of the day watching batting practice while perched near the cage, surrounded by scouts, old teammates and members of the front office.

“They just want me to be down here, whenever I can get down here to get down here and be part of the guys,” said Pettitte, who seems to be enjoying retirement. “I'm not looking to try to coach anybody or anything. If the guys want to ask me questions or anything, I’ll be more than happy to talk to guys and stuff like that. But I just came to hang out, really.”

And no, Pettitte is not contemplating a comeback. However, he has volunteered to throw batting practice if manager Joe Girardi needs a left-handed arm. Pettitte expects to be around for a few days.

-- As Pettitte watched, Phil Hughes, Hiroki Kuroda, Dellin Betances and Manny Banuelos threw batting practice to hitters.

-- Girardi has set up his starters for the team's upcoming exhibition games:

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Friday vs. South Florida: Adam Warren

Saturday at Phillies: Ivan Nova

Sunday vs. Phillies: Freddy Garcia

March 5 at Phillies: Michael Pineda

March 6 at Pirates: CC Sabathia/Phil Hughes

March 7 vs. Rays: Hiroki Kuroda

-- Eric Chavez's one-year deal with the Yankees became official today, though the veteran infielder has been around camp the last few days.

The Yankees also moved reliever David Aardsma to the 60-day disabled list. He is recovering from Tommy John surgery and likely won't be ready to pitch until the latter half of the season.

-- Second baseman Robinson Cano has been excused from the team to be with his family following the passing of his grandmother on Sunday.

Marc Carig: mcarig@starledger.com; twitter.com/MarcCarig