Pavano Returns, Yankees Fall 3-0 (3/28)

Carl Pavano made his first appearance in a game since last August and things weren't much different for now as he surrendered a solo home run to the Phillies Chase Utley. The Phillies also got home runs from Shane Victorino and Sal Fasano en route to a 3-0 win. The big news though was getting Pavano back on the mound. Pavano missed a large chunk of last season due to back and arm problems and has been slowed this spring by a sore back. He felt positive after tonight's game though. "I thought I controlled the zone pretty good for someone who hadn't pitched in eight months," Pavano said. "I thought I controlled my emotions pretty well, as excited as I was to be out there." Pavano also escaped unharmed when he tumbled on his way to covering first base.

The Yankee bats took the night off managing just 4 hits off of starter Ryan Madson and three relievers (including Tom Gordon). Scott Proctor was once again impressive in his start, allowing 1 run on 3 hits in 5 innings. Proctor also walked one and struck out 5. He's allowed just 1 run over his last 9 innings pitched. Mariano Rivera and Mike Myers threw a scoreless inning each, but Tanyon Sturtze continued to struggle, allowing Fasano's home run.

Notes

Chien-Ming Wang threw a bullpen session on Tuesday and felt fine afterwards. He's scheduled to start against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix on Friday. Jaret Wright will test out his back in a minor league start on Thursday.

Jorge Posada returned to action for the first time since last Wednesday, serving as the designated hitter. He went hitless, but is still batting .407 for the spring.

MLB Notes


Marquis Grissom has called it a career after 17 big league seasons. Grissom, in Chicago Cubs camp as a non-roster invitee, realized it was time to hang it up.

Jeremy Reed and the Seattle Mariners got some very good news on Tuesday when it was revealed that his right wrist wasn't broken after all. Reed had broken a bone in the wrist when he was a teen and that combined with swelling lead doctors to the wrong conclusion. A number of tests on Monday revealed that there indeed was no break. A very good break for Reed.

Tony Graffanino was claimed Tuesday by the Kansas City Royals off of the waiver wire. Graffanino had been waived by the Red Sox over the weekend.

No, it's not deja vu. The Chicago Cubs have placed Kerry Wood and Mark Prior on the disabled list.