"That would be unbelievable if I got the opportunity," said Pettitte, who does not expect his elbow stiffness to hamper him.

A gritty performer who pitched through serious elbow stiffness for nearly two months in 1996, he is trying to do the same with his sore back.

Jeff Karstens, who is out with elbow stiffness, will start in the minors Monday.

But he said he felt elbow stiffness near the end of the Twins game, then felt tightness when he played catch the next two days.

He made his first start of this season on Saturday after a stint on the disabled list with elbow stiffness.

Mussina had not won since June 27, missing a month after the All-Star Game break because of elbow stiffness.

He missed six weeks with elbow stiffness but has come back strong.

Karstens had elbow stiffness at the end of spring training and will start for Class A Tampa on Monday.

Nor has it always been easy for a pitcher who cannot remember the last time he pitched totally free from the elbow stiffness.

Viola left the game with elbow stiffness and will have tests conducted Wednesday.