General manager Brian Cashman acknowledged the Yankees are considering either Phil Hughes or Carl 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."