The Yankees have an $11.5 million fifth starter. It is clear that is now what Javier Vazquez has become.
Yankees decision makers decided to skip Vazquez’s turn in the rotation for the second time in less than two weeks, holding him back until Friday against the Mets, because they do view him currently as their fifth starter and want to avoid using him against AL East contenders Boston and Tampa Bay.
But officials insisted that was a secondary reason, and that there were tactical advantages involving the other four starters and the upcoming schedule that explain why Vazquez was not allowed to start tonight against the Red Sox on his regular rest.
The Yankees now can use CC Sabathia, tomorrow’s starter, on Sunday night at Citi Field. They see that as wise because there will be no designated hitter and Sabathia is one of the best hitting pitchers in the majors.
The Yankees also have Andy Pettitte in line to start Thursday against the Rays, then against the Twins and Indians, both heavily lefty-swinging teams.
“The first time around we did not think it was wise, at that moment, to have Javy pitch in Fenway,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. “But this time around [skipping Vazquez] has much more to do with everyone else and less to do with him.”
There’s also the chance Vazquez may be needed out of the bullpen over the next few days because the Yankees don’t have a long reliever. Sergio Mitre started yesterday, and Ivan Nova is the most likely candidate to be sent to Triple-A when Chan Ho Park is activated from the disabled list today (Park was ready to be activated yesterday, but the Yankees waited so they could keep Nova as the long man behind Mitre).
If Vazquez has an extended appearance out of the bullpen, his start on Friday night might not happen.
Before yesterday’s game, Vazquez acknowledged his descending spot in the rotation.
“I know how it works,” Vazquez said. “I’ve pitched a lot of years and I’ve been the guy they usually bump the other guy for to get me in there so I know how it works.”
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Nick Swisher (left biceps) was out of the lineup for the second time in four days. Manager Joe Girardi held him out because the Twins started righty Nick Blackburn.
The injury bothers Swisher the most when he swings left-handed. He appeared in the on-deck circle to pinch hit in the eighth before the Twins brought in a righty reliever.
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Ramiro Pena made his first career appearance in the outfield, moving to right field in the ninth inning after starting the game at shortstop.