"Javier Vazquez was glad to finally get a chance to pitch last night, and the exiled Yankee righty said he is optimistic about grabbing a spot on the postseason roster.

"I hope so. Of course. I expect to be on it," Vazquez said after pitching for the first time in 11 days. "Let's see."

Though admitting it's been "disappointing" to not be used recently, Vazquez said he understood his hiatus.

Entering with one out, one on and the heart of Tampa Bay's order up in the seventh inning and the Yankees nursing a 5-2 lead in last night's 8-3 win over the Rays, Vazquez retired Ben Zobrist before allowed Carl Crawford's RBI single. He then got Evan Longoria, who represented the tying run.

Vazquez started the eighth, allowing two singles and getting an out before being replaced by Joba Chamberlain. In the end, he threw one shaky but scoreless total inning, surrendering three hits and striking out none.

Though Vazquez has not been quite as bad or quite as banished as Mets left-hander Oliver Perez, it is uncertain if he will pitch again, or if he will make the postseason roster."