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| Javier Vazquez last pitched for the Marlins in 2011. (US Presswire) |
Javier Vazquez still isn't sure whether he wants to return to the majors in 2013. If he does, he tells MLB.com's Bill Ladson that he wouldn't mind returning to the Nationals though the team's rotation appears to be set.
The 36-year-old right-hander did not pitch in 2012 after going 13-11 with a 3.69 ERA for the Marlins in 2011. He did not file official retirement papers. Vazquez is pitching in Puerto Rico's winter league.
"I am seriously considering pitching again but have not made a final decision," Vazquez told Ladson in an email. "Certainly, if I do come back, Washington is definitely a place I would consider. I'm feeling really good and throwing the ball well."
The Nationals, Red Sox, Rays and Royals scouted Vazquez's start on Friday, according to WEEI.com's Rob Bradford. In that start for Criollos de Caguas, Vazquez allowed just three hits in six scoreless innings, striking out five and walking none. His fastball was clocked at 93 mph, GM Alex Cora told Bradford.
The Blue Jays have also reportedly scouted Vazquez in Puerto Rico, WEEI.com's Alex Speier tweeted.
Vazquez is planning to pitch for his native Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.
He was 165-160 with a 4.22 ERA and struck out eight batters per nine innings over his career. He was an All-Star with the Yankees in 2004 and finished fourth in Cy Young voting for the Braves in 2009. He has played for the Expos, White Sox, Yankees, Diamondbacks, Braves and Marlins in 14 seasons in the big leagues.
For more baseball news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnBaseball on Twitter, subscribe to the RSS feed and "like" us on Facebook. Follow C. Trent Rosecrans on Twitter here: @ctrent.
