--RHP Mariano Rivera notched his second straight multiple-inning appearance and his third in a week. Rivera recorded the last five outs in the Yankees' 2-1 win and had secured the final four in Thursday's 3-2 win over Boston. "That's the situation that we're in now," manager Joe Girardi said of the Yankees' must-win scenarios down the stretch. Rivera earned his 32nd save Friday and lowered his ERA to 1.46 after coming on with one out and runners at first and second in the eighth.

--RHP Carl Pavano made his return to Yankee Stadium a successful one, pitching in his first game there since Opening Day 2007 and picking up the win in a 2-1 victory over Toronto. Pavano won his second straight game since returning from "Tommy John" elbow surgery, throwing six innings of one-run ball to out-pitch his former teammate and recent Yankee-killer A.J. Burnett. "It's nice to go out there every fifth day and feel good about your body and feel good about your stuff after what I've been through," said Pavano, whose numerous injuries had limited him to a handful of appearances during his four years as a Yankee.

--OF Johnny Damon went 2-for-4 in the Yankees' 2-1 win over Toronto, and has hit in nine of his last 10. Damon, who's enjoyed a resurgence this season, picked up 12 hits in 37 at-bats during that span to raise his average to .313.

BY THE NUMBERS: 20 -- Appearances injury-riddled RHP Carl Pavano had made for the Yankees while making nearly $40 million in four years, including his victory on Aug. 23.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Obviously a lot has gone on in the last four years. I can't ignore that." -- RHP Carl Pavano after pitching in his first game in 16 months and the 20th in his four years as a Yankee on Aug. 23.