Phil Hughes, rehabbing from a fractured rib, could be two minor-league starts away from providing help to the Yankee rotation.Hughes starts tonight for Triple-A Scranton, and is expected to throw in the area of 60 pitches. His next outing would be an 80-pitch effort. After that it would go to 95.
Considering Joba Chamberlain went on the DL yesterday and Ian Kennedy and Dan Giese are starting this week against the Angels in Anaheim, could Hughes make that 95-pitch start in the big leagues?
"It's possible," manager Joe Girardi said.
There is no doubt in my mind that like Kennedy, Hughes will toy with AAA hitters. I don't think it will be much of a test for him. The real test will come in two weeks when he takes the mound against Major League hitters. Will he be able to pitch like he did last year, especially down the stretch, or will he be the scared kid that got pounded by MLB hitters all April?
3 Comments:
good news on Hughes, I wish they would do the same thing they did with Joba, let him get his work done up here.
Another thing the Red Sox claimed Brian Giles off waivers, they have a day or 2 to work out a trade. Giles is not in the lineup today. Maybe they just wanted to block him from going to the Rays or someone else, or they think Ortiz's wrist is not fully healed. Giles isnt great though, and I'd rather face Giles than a unhealthy Papi.
Now Pettitte might miss his next start! It never ends, every day someone else.
Phil and Ian could end up being the difference makers if they can come up and pitch like they're capable of.
Giles probably wouldn't even play unless there was an injury. I can't imagine him playing anyplace other than LF, RF, or DH, and with Bay, Drew, and Ortiz, there's no opening. Not sure of the logic behind that move, other than insurance.
Post a Comment