Carl Pavano - out for the year.

Yankees pitcher Carl Pavano will need surgery for a bone chip above his right elbow, an injury that could finish his 2006 season before it ever started.

Pavano, who has not pitched in the major leagues since June 27 because of a variety of injuries, left a rehab start for Double-A Trenton after only nine pitches Wednesday because of forearm soreness. Tests Thursday revealed the latest injury, and Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala., will operate next week.

Is there any way we can just cut the guy lose and perhaps get some insurance money or perhaps a bag of balls? Seriously...Worst. Signing. Ever.

Oh, and in case that wasn't enough injury news, Jorge Posada left the game tonight after that first 1½ innings with tightness in his upper back (back injuries don't usually heal quickly either). They think this is a result of the collision at home plate with Mark Teixeira the other night.

Hat tip to singledd over at Bronx Banter for the tip.