"Back in May, the Yankees skipped Javier Vazquez in the rotation with the hope that a few days off would help him sort out his issues before returning to the rotation.

Tuesday, Joe Girardi announced that Vazquez (9-9, 5.05 ERA) would be skipped again this Sunday, but unlike the situation nearly four months ago, there's no guarantee that the 13-year veteran will reclaim his job.

Rookie Ivan Nova, who impressed Girardi Monday night against the Blue Jays, will start on Sunday, effectively replacing Vazquez in the rotation for the immediate future.

"The last time we skipped Javy a start, it kick-started him and got him on a roll," Girardi said. "I'm not saying what we'll do after Sunday, but maybe it will help him physically."

Girardi wouldn't commit to anything for the following turn through the rotation, leaving Vazquez's future in limbo. The manager hinted that Vazquez could be used to help shorten Phil Hughes' starts, as the Yankees continue to monitor the 24-year-old's innings count.

"We'll be flexible with Hughes as we're moving down the stretch here," Girardi said. "(The Vazquez/Nova move) might give us an opportunity to shorten his game a lot one time or even to skip him."

Vazquez was predictably upset by the news, although after posting a 6.69 ERA in seven starts since the All-Star break and an 8.10 mark in four August starts, it didn't come as a huge shock."