Pavano returns to Yankees and wins

BALTIMORE -- Carl Pavano will never be able to provide the New York Yankees ample return on his near $40-million contract, so he will settle for improving a rotation that certainly could use a fresh arm.

The oft-injured pitcher returned from an extended absence Saturday night and hung around long enough to pick up the win in a 5-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.

Pitching in the major leagues for the first time since April 2007, Pavano yielded three runs and seven hits in five innings. The right-hander walked one, hit two batters and struck out five in his 91-pitch effort.

“It’s amazing. This is what I get paid to do, this is what I live for,” Pavano said. “This is all I really want, to go out there every fifth day and do my job.”

Asked if he could help the Yankees this season, Pavano replied, “I know I can.”

It was Pavano’s 20th start with the Yankees since signing a four-year contract before the 2005 season.

Only three of those appearances have come since June 2005; his latest injury resulted in elbow ligament replacement surgery last June and a 14-month rehabilitation period.