There could be a Carl Pavano sighting for the Yanks this weekend.
General manager Brian Cashman acknowledged the Yankees are considering either Phil Hughes or Pavano to assume the fifth starter’s role Saturday in Baltimore. Hughes seemed like the probable choice as Pavano’s 30-day rehab run is up Aug. 27, one week from tomorrow. But Cashman has been impressed with Pavano’s rehab progress from Tommy John surgery.
Pavano threw six innings Sunday for Double-A Trenton and Cashman said: “He’s close to being ready.”
Pavano last pitched for the Yankees in April, 2007. The Yanks sorely need starting help with Joba Chamberlain and Dan Giese on the disabled list.
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A couple Yankee wins, some Red Sox losses and quickly the playoffs don’t look so far-fetched for the Yanks. Even with Boston beating the Orioles last night, following consecutive losses to Toronto, the Yanks are 5 1/2 back of the Red Sox in the wild-card race – and would have to pass either Chicago or Minnesota, too (the Twins are about to go on a 14-game road trip). So the playoffs that looked unattainable last week when the Yankees staggered home from a 3-7 road trip might not be impossible.
“You can’t change anything that’s happened but we just need to be consistent and win,” said Derek Jeter. “You try to forget about it and just try to move forward. You need to be consistent. We feel we have a good team here. We have to prove it over the last [38] games.”
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Darrell Rasner (5-9, 5.18) goes against A.J. Burnett (15-9, 4.67) tonight; Andy Pettitte (12-9, 4.30) opposes David Purcey (2-3, 5.93) tomorrow and Sidney Ponson (7-3, 4.20) faces Roy Halladay (14-9, 2.64) Thursday. . . . Burnett is 5-2, 2.85 lifetime against the Yanks.