MLB Spring Training 2012: Phil Hughes Progressing for New York Yankees
March 11, 2012 · Kenny DeJohn · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Phil Hughes threw three scoreless innings today in a 5-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins.
In his three innings of work, Hughes allowed one hit, one walk and struck out one batter.
After a dreadful, injury-filled 2011, Hughes is battling with Ivan Nova, Freddy Garcia and Michael Pineda for the one of the final three spots in manager Joe Girardi‘s starting rotation.
He bounced back nicely from his first start of the spring when he struggled against the Pirates, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits in 1 1/3 innings pitched.
Girardi has made it clear that CC Sabathia and Hiroki Kuroda are the only locks for the rotation, with the final spots being awarded to the pitchers that have the best springs. With today’s performance, Hughes may have really helped his case.
After Hughes’ impressive performance, Girardi had this to say:
“I thought he had everything today. I thought his fastball location was much better; I thought he threw some good changeups. Pleased, very pleased.”
Hughes was also pleased with his performance, saying:
“I was happy — it seemed like my fastball was good. It was jumping on hitters a little bit, just based on the swings I was getting.”
Many figure that the battle for the final spot in the rotation will ultimately come down to Hughes and Garcia, so today’s strong performance will definitely put Hughes in good standing with Girardi.
It’s clear how much attention will be paid to Hughes this spring, as Girardi chose to travel with the team to Minnesota instead of staying back to watch Sabathia’s start and Mariano Rivera’s spring debut in the game against Philadelphia.
Girardi wants to make sure that he doesn’t miss any of the action, as much of the rotation’s success will hinge upon the production they got from the No. 5 spot in the rotation.
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