Dropping Carl Pavano into the Yankees clubhouse might prove to be too much of a challenge, but there is a chance the "American Idle" could be ready to pitch before Phil Hughes.

"I haven't asked, but it's possible," GM Brian Cashman said last night. "Pavano should be ready by August and Hughes in August."

Considering Pavano, who is trying to rebound from last year's Tommy John surgery, is throwing curveballs off a mound and Hughes (fractured rib) isn't even on a mound, Pavano would be considered ahead of Hughes.

"The rehabs are different," Cashman said. "Phil Hughes will start throwing from flat ground, but it won't be as long (as Pavano's)."

Pavano is in the fourth and final year of a $40 million contract that has been dominated by injuries that have limited him to 19 games and teammates not believing he was as hurt as he said he was at times. Pavano appeared in two games at the start of last year and hasn't pitched since.