It has been a frustrating and forgettable season for Phil Hughes. But Wednesday against the White Sox, Hughes can put the disappointing season behind him with his first start for the Yankees since April 29.
"Frustrating is the one word that comes to mind, but with the last couple of months I've got my strength back and now I'm just working hard to erase what happened in the beginning of the year and go forward," said Hughes, who was recalled on Saturday from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after missing more than four months of action with a stress fracture in his ribs.
"I had expectations pitching for the year and doing well. Obviously that didn't happen, so I just want to focus on (Wednesday)."
Hughes is coming off of a dominant performance Friday night, when he struck out 12 and allowed one run in five innings to help lead Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to a series-clinching win over Durham for the International League title.
"If I execute the way I did down there, I think I'll be fine," Hughes said. "I'm not trying to go out there and make up for lost time or the bad start I had. I just hope for a couple of games and to pitch well, and move forward."
"It will be exciting," Hughes said. "It's been a lot of time off. It almost feels like it's the first game all over again."I'm very interested to see how he pitches tonight. I watched some of his last game at AAA and his stuff looked great, especially his curveball, which looked a lot better than the one he was throwing in April. He was a little wild at times, but was able to pick up several big strikeouts, including striking out the side with the bases loaded in the 4th.
The key for Hughes, like most pitchers, is throwing strikes and getting ahead of hitters. Back in April when he struggled he was constantly falling behind hitters, and it killed him. He's also going to need to mix in his change and slider; he can't get away with relying on his fastball and curveball alone.
I know there are many people who already believe Hughes is a bust, but I don't feel that way at all. We shouldn't be fooled by six bad starts in April, this kid can still be a very good pitcher in this league. It may take some time though, but then again, it usually does with young pitchers.
Post your prediction of Hughes' pitching line for tonight in the comments section.
3 Comments:
5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
I could see that sort of game from Hughes. He's also lucky he's facing a White Sox team without Crede, and Quentin.
similar line to anon....
4IP 6H 2BB 4R 3ER 4K 89 Pitches
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