Listed at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) and 190 pounds (86 kg) during his playing career, he batted right-handed and threw left-handed.

Pettyjohn attended Exeter Union High School in California and then Fresno State University, where he was a teammate of pitcher Jeff Weaver.

His first major-league strikeout came against Ken Griffey Jr.[1] In 2002, Pettyjohn did not play professionally because he had to undergo a colectomy due to ulcerative colitis.

As the opening day starter for the Stars on April 5, 2007, Pettyjohn gave up four hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out seven and getting a no-decision in the team's 4–3 victory over the Mississippi Braves.

He played for their Triple-A affiliate, the Louisville Bats, until their season finished and was a September call up for the Reds, marking the first time he had been in the majors since 2001.