by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/21/2013) Yankees starter Phil Hughes was much better Tuesday in Baltimore than he was his last time out when he lasted just 2/3 of an inning against Seattle. He went six innings Tuesday.
Hughes took a no-decision as he left the game tied at two runs apiece. He gave up two solo homers to Chris Dickerson for the only runs he allowed on five hits and two walks. Hughes threw 102 pitchecs and struck out five batters. His ERA is 5.51.
The 26-year-old entered Tuesday having allowed 13 earned runs over his previous 6 1/3 innings, and has now allowed five homers in his last three starts. Still, he's 2-3 and he went eight shutout innings against Oakland the start before the two poor ones.
Hughes is scheduled to make his next start Monday at the New York Mets.
Phil Hughes blames struggles on fastball
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (5/21/2013) Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes said his fastball is to blame for his struggles this season, according to the Journal News.
"It’s all fastball command, really. The days that I’ve had good command of my fastball, I’ve been able to work everything off that," Hughes said. Hughes lasted just two-thirds of an inning during his last start, giving up seven earned runs.
Hughes said he spoke to pitching coach Larry Rothschild, who said he was overthrowing his fastball during his recent start. Hughes admitted sometimes adrenaline gets the best of him on the mound, causing him to lose focus.
Phil Hughes making next start Tuesday
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/19/2013) Due to a postponement Sunday, Yankees starter Phil Hughes will not make his next start until Tuesday in Baltimore. He was originally expected to start Monday, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.
Hughes has struggled of late. He is 2-3 on the season but has gone 1-1 in his last two outings with 13 earned runs on 13 hits and four walks over 6 1/3 innings with three strikeouts.
Phil Hughes needs to 'clear (his) head'
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/16/2013) Yankees starting pitcher Phil Hughes continued his rollercoaster season Wednesday against the Mariners after not making it out of the first inning. After a 1.93 ERA over a four-start stretch from April 18-May 4, Hughes has an 18.47 ERA in his last two starts.
"I feel like I’ve (been able to grind with bad stuff) sometimes," Hughes said to The Journal News. "But there are other nights where it feels like everything you do is not working and not happening. That’s where nights like this happen. Hopefully this is a 1-in-100 type thing. I remember I’ve had bad nights where I’d get 12 outs or something, but I don’t think I can remember having an outing like this before. It’s tough to swallow, but it happens to everybody. No one’s going to feel sorry for you, so I have to throw my bullpen in two days and move on."
"I’d like to just get back to three starts ago, not really worry about what was bad about this one or what was bad about that one," he said. "Just clear my head of these last two and go forward, really get back to what I was doing."
Phil Hughes awful over 2/3 of an inning
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/15/2013) Yankees starter Phil Hughes didn't stick around very long on Wednesday night at home against Seattle. Hughes pitched poorly, lasting just two outs into the first inning in a 12-2 defeat.
Hughes threw 36 pitches -- 23 strikes -- and surrendered seven earned runs on six hits -- including a grand slam by former teammate Raul Ibanez -- before being lifted in favor of Preston Claiborne.
The 26-year-old walked two and did not strike out a batter as he fell to 2-3 with his ERA growing to 5.88. Hughes had won two straight starts entering Wednesday, but has given up 13 earned runs over his last two outings spanning just 6 1/3 innings.
Hughes will have to turn things around again in a hurry after his ERA rose above 5.00. With an ugly WHIP of 1.55 and a .314 batting average against, Hughes has really struggled to begin the year. His next scheduled start comes Monday at Baltimore.
Phil Hughes roughed up, escapes with win No. 2
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/11/2013) Yankees starting pitcher Phil Hughes was hit hard but managed to escape with his second win of the season during Friday's series opener against the Royals.
Hughes, who made his seventh start of the season, served up a three-run home run to Jarrod Dyson in the third and a solo home run to Mike Moustakas in the sixth. The right-hander was charged with six runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings of work. He also struck out three and walked two in 98 pitches, 70 for strikes.
Hughes was 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA before Friday's outing. He will try to bounce back Tuesday at home against Seattle. He is 3-2 with a 3.06 ERA in his last five starts against the Mariners.
Phil Hughes dialing up the whiffs
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (5/8/2013) After years of disappointing, Yankees starting pitcher Phil Hughes is finally starting to live up to expectations through his first six starts. But has the 26-year-old turned the corner?
Hughes is still allowing way too many flyballs, which helps explain his ugly 1.29 home runs per nine innings. At this point in his career, we just have to expect that Hughes is what he is -- his fastball has some zip to it, but very little sink, so when hitters make contact, it tends to fly out of the yard. Four of his five home runs allowed have come on that fastball so far this season. Luckily, he is bring more swing and miss to his game to compensate.
Hughes has a 9.1 percent swinging strike rate, his best mark since 2009. Hughes' fastball and slider account for 91.7 percent of his swinging strikes, a good sign for a guy who relies so heavily on those two pitches. His 8.74 K/9 and 1.80 BB/9, both of which are career bests, go a long way to explaining his 3.60 ERA, despite an ugly and unsustainable .343 batting average on balls in play.
Hughes' inability to prevent home runs will always be a source of consternation while pitching at Yankee Stadium, but Hughes looks like a better pitcher than ever right now. I would avoid him against particularly homer-prone lineups at home, but otherwise Hughes is starting to look like a pretty good Fantasy option.
Phil Hughes dominates for first win
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/4/2013) Yankees starter Phil Hughes was masterful Saturday in the Bronx against the Oakland Athletics. The starter went eight shutout innings for his first win of the season.
Hughes (1-2) allowed four hits and two walks in 117 pitches -- 81 strikes. He struck out nine and lowered his ERA to 3.60.
Hughes earned his first win in his sixth start. After going 0-2 with eight runs allowed over seven innings in his first two outings, he's gone 1-0 with six runs over 28 innings through four starts since. He has 34 Ks in 35 innings.
Hughes will look to keep rolling when he starts Friday at Kansas City.
Phil Hughes settles for no-decision
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/28/2013) Yankees starter Phil Hughes threw a season-high 111 pitches over six innings on Sunday against the Blue Jays. He was solid, but not good enough to earn the winning decision.
Hughes, 0-2 on the season, struck out nine batters over his six frames, but the RBI double he gave up to Maicer Izturis in the sixth inning gave the Blue Jays the lead. The Yankees would get it back, but Hughes had to settle for the no-decision on the outing. He allowed just two earned runs on seven hits and a walk as 76 of his 111 pitches went for strikes.
The 26-year-old has been sharp over his last three outings despite no victories. He's given up just six earned runs over 20 innings over that span with 21 Ks. Hughes dropped his first two outings of the season in which he gave up eight runs over seven innings and that is the reason his ERA remains high at 4.67.
Hughes is scheduled to make his next start Saturday against Oakland.
Phil Hughes rounding into form
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/24/2013) After two rough starts to open the season, Yankees starting pitcher Phil Hughes has turned in two straight impressive outings, posting a 2.57 ERA in that span. Hughes feels he's getting back to normal after opening the year on the disabled list because of a bulging disc in his back, per The Journal News.
"I certainly feel like I’ve made positive steps forward since (my first start)," Hughes said. "I was ready then, I just didn’t execute that well against Detroit and obviously terribly against Baltimore. I had enough innings -- even though they weren’t big league innings -- in spring training to be ready. I’ve been out of (spring training) for four starts. These games count whether you got a full spring training or not. The first two were tough. The next two were better. Hopefully that trend continues."
Phil Hughes solid in no-decision
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/23/2013) Yankees starter Phil Hughes matched up with David Price of the Rays in Tampa Bay on Tuesday night. He kept up with last year's American League Cy Young award winner, pitch for pitch, until leaving the game.
Hughes allowed the Rays to take a 2-1 lead in the seventh inning, but the Yankees tied it up in the bottom of the frame and he settled for a no-decision. Hughes allowed two runs on six hits and two walks over seven innings. He struck out six over 109 pitches, with 78 going for strikes.
Hughes gave up eight runs over his first seven innings spanning two starts this season. In two start since, however, he's allowed just four runs over 14 innings with 12 Ks. Hughes (0-2) has turned his season around and will look to keep improving when he next takes the hill Sunday against Toronto.
Phil Hughes could help out
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (4/20/2013)Phil Hughes' season has not gotten off to the best of starts so far for the Yankees, as he has just one quality start in his first three outings. However, that was his most recent outing, so hopefully that's a sign of good things to come.
Al Melchoir likes Hughes with two starts on the way this week, ranking him 60th overall in his Week 4 (April 22-28) pitching planner. Hughes is set to take on the Rays Tuesday, followed by a matchup against the Blue Jays Sunday. Tampa and Toronto have both been disappointing so far this season, ranking in the bottom seven in the league in runs scored per game. Hughes is currently owned in 56 percent of leagues, so he might be worth snagging on the waiver wires.
Phil Hughes Ks six in no-decision
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (4/18/2013) After a pair of rough outings to start the season, Yankees starter Phil Hughes got back on track Thursday at home against the Diamondbacks but was unable to factor in the decision.
Hughes, who made his third start of the season, served up a solo home run to Didi Gregorius in the third and another solo shot to Martin Prado in the sixth for his only damage of the night. The right-hander was charged with two runs on six hits in seven innings of work. He also struck out six and did not issue a walk on 109 pitches, 75 for strikes.
Hughes has a 6.43 ERA and a 1.79 WHIP. He is scheduled to take the mound Tuesday at Tampa Bay. The 26-year-old allowed two runs in 4 2/3 innings of work in his only outing against the Rays last season.
Yankees rearrange rotation around Andy Pettitte
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/14/2013) The Yankees announced on Sunday that Andy Pettitte will return from back spasms to start Friday's series opener against the Blue Jays.
Ivan Nova will start on Tuesday against the Diamondbacks with CC Sabathia and Phil Hughes to follow him on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.
O's chase Phil Hughes early
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/13/2013) Yankees starter Phil Hughes did not last long in his outing against the Orioles on Saturday. He allowed five runs on nine hits over three-plus innings of work in a 5-3 loss.
The right-hander gave up a run in the first before surrendering a solo homer to Ryan Flaherty the following frame. Then after Baltimore put up a two-spot in the third, Nolan Reimold led off the fourth with a solo homer off Hughes and he was pulled after giving up a double to Nate McLouth.
Hughes, who threw 60 pitches, also walked two and did not strike out a batter.
His next start is scheduled for Friday against the Blue Jays. Hughes went 2-2 with a 5.73 ERA in six starts against Toronto last season.
Phil Hughes to start Saturday against Baltimore
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (4/12/2013) With Andy Pettitte dealing with back spasms, Phil Hugheswill get the start for the Yankees Saturday against Baltimore, ESPN New York reports.
Hughes last started April 6 against Detroit. He allowed eight hits and four runs (three earned) across four innings of work.
Outside weather only delay for Phil Hughes
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/11/2013) After Thursday's Yankees-Indians matchup was postponed by rain for the second straight day, New York probable pitcher Phil Hughes said he would have been able to make the start without any issue. Hughes, who was dealing with a stomach virus Wednesday, will likely take the hill again next Wednesday against Arizona.
“I was fine,” he told The Journal News. “I was good. We were just kind of holding tight and hoping we would get a window in, but obviously that didn’t happen."
Yankees' rotation to stay on turn
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/11/2013) For the second straight day, the Yankees and Indians were postponed by rain, cutting a four-game series in half. Despite the inclement weather, New York will keep its rotation in order for the team's upcoming three-game series against Baltimore: CC Sabathia will start Friday followed by Hiroki Kuroda (Saturday) and Andy Pettitte (Sunday).
Yankees manager Joe Girardi indicated Ivan Nova could start Tuesday's interleague matchup against Arizona while Phil Hughes takes the hill Wednesday.
Phil Hughes dealing with stomach bug
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/10/2013) Yankees starter Phil Hughes is dealing with a nasty stomach bug, the Newark Star-Ledger reports Wednesday. Hughes remains on track to face the Indians in Cleveland Thursday.
Hughes, if he's able to make the start, will look to rebound after he gave up four runs -- three earned -- over just four innings in his season debut loss at Detroit.
Phil Hughes takes loss in first start
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (4/6/2013) Yankees starting pitcher Phil Hughes took the loss in Saturday's start against the Tigers, allowing four runs (three earned) on eight hits and no walks in four innings. He struck out four batters and threw 87 pitches in the start.
Provided Hughes didn't suffer any setbacks with regards to the bulging disc in his back, he'll be on track to face the Indians Thursday.
Phil Hughes set to make debut Saturday
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (4/5/2013) Yankees starting pitcher Phil Hughes was scratched from his Triple-A rehab start Friday, and is expected to rejoin the team in Detroit where he will start Saturday afternoon against the Tigers, according to MLB.com.
The 26-year-old, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a bulging disc in his back, will likely bump David Phelps to the bullpen. Hughes went 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP in two starts against the Tigers last season.
Phil Hughes might return April 11
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/1/2013) Yankees starting pitcher Phil Hughes, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a bulging disc in his back, threw seven innings in an extended spring game Monday, according to MLB.com. Hughes' next scheduled start should come for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Saturday, which is the first day he's eligible to come off the DL.
If all goes well Saturday, then Hughes would be on track to return to the Yankees' rotation April 11 at Cleveland, according to MLB.com.
Phil Hughes placed on DL
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (3/31/2013) Yankees starter Phil Hughes was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday due to a bulging disc in his back. The move was retroactive to March 22.
The right-hander posted a 1.56 ERA in five appearances (two starts) over 17 1/3 innings of Grapefruit League play.
Phil Hughes to begin season on DL
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (3/27/2013) Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes will begin the year on the disabled list, manager Joe Girardi confirmed. Hughes has been limited by a sore back, and hasn’t pitched in a game this spring. He has been throwing during minor-league games, but it’s unclear if he’ll be ready to make his April 6 start. He should slot in to the fourth spot in the team’s rotation once he’s healthy.
Phil Hughes back on the mound vs. minor-league team
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/22/2013) Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes, who is expected to begin the season on the disabled list, made an appearance in a minor-league game against Class A West Virginia Friday. Hughes pitched three innings as he allowed three runs on six hits, including a home run. He also struck out three and did not issue a walk. Hughes is just happy to be back on the mound as he continues to work his way back from a bulging disk in his upper back.
"I feel great, which is goal No. 1," Hughes told MLB.com. "I got up to [57] pitches, so I was happy with that. I would have liked to go more than three innings, but it is what it is and hopefully the next one I'm a little bit better, a little bit cleaner out there."
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (3/22/2013) Yankees starter Phil Hughes is expected to begin the season on the disabled list due to a back injury, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.
Hughes is slated to throw three innings at minor-league camp on Friday. The Yankees don't expect him to be stretched out for the regular season in time to open the year in their rotation. David Phelps is the likely candidate for the open spot in the rotation.
Phil Hughes will pitch in minor-league game Friday
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/21/2013) Yankees starting pitcher Phil Hughes (back) will throw three innings in a minor-league game Friday, according to The Star-Ledger.
Phil Hughes set to pitch in minor-league game Saturday
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/19/2013) Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes, who threw a simulated game Monday, is scheduled to pitch in a minor-league game Saturday, according to MLB.com. Hughes, who continues to work his way back from a bulging disk in his upper back, has been optimistic that he will be ready to go when his first turn comes around in the rotation. But according to the report, there is some concern he'll miss his first start.
Phil Hughes throws in simulated game
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/18/2013) The Journal News reports on Monday that Yankees starter Phil Hughes, who is dealing with a lingering back injury and is questionable for the start of the season, was able to make about 40 throws in a simulated game.
Hughes' next step is expected to be pitching in a minor league game, which could come this week. Because New York likely won't need their fifth starter until the second week of the season, this affords Hughes more time to get back healthy.
At this point, however, any setback would likely mean he'll begin the year on the shelf.
Phil Hughes on track to make first start?
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/14/2013) Yankees starting pitcher Phil Hughes, who has yet to pitch this spring becauase of a bulging disc in his back, threw a 26-pitch live bullpen session Thursday. Hughes' next step will be a simulated game Monday. Assuming he can make four starts before the start of the season, Hughes feels he will be ready by his first turn in the rotation on April 7. "Everything's got to go right for me," he said, per ESPN. "But I would rather miss one start in the beginning than miss a whole bunch later on." Manager Joe Girardi remains skeptical about Hughes being ready on time. "I think it's still really early to judge if he'll be ready to start the season," Girardi said. "I would like to leave here with five starters and if he can make a start here pretty quick it gives him a much better chance."
Hughes still unsure about opener
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/11/2013) Yankees starting pitcher Phil Hughes (back) tossed a successful 26-pitch bullpen session Monday and will advance to live batting practice later this week, The Star-Ledger reports. Despite the encouraging showing, Hughes, who is dealing with a bulging disk in his upper back, said he is "not exactly sure" if he will be ready for his first turn through the rotation in April. "It was just like I was throwing a normal bullpen," he said. "I wasn’t thinking about my back. I was just letting it go. And got through that without any issues. For me, it’s a big positive. Now it’s just about making sure I don’t have any setbacks going forward."
Hughes progressing from injury
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/9/2013) Yankees starting pitcher Phil Hughes (back) completed a stress-free bullpen session Saturday and will advance to a longer workout next week, ESPN.com reports. It was the first time Hughes has worked off a mound since being sidelined by a bulging disk in his upper back two weeks ago. He fired 10 pitches in Saturday's session and will throw another one Monday before determining the next step in his rehab process.
Hughes advancing to mound work
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (3/6/2013) Yankees starting pitcher Phil Hughes plans to throw off a mound Saturday, following three successful throwing sessions in recent days. Hughes has been sidelined by a bulging disk in his back for two weeks, but has thrown from 60 to 90 feet over the last three days, saying he has had no problems yet. Hughes will throw 10 pitches off a mound Saturday, before moving forward with a 25-pitch bullpen session Sunday or Monday.
Confidence back for Hughes
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/4/2013) Yankees starting pitcher Phil Hughes said Monday he was optimistic about his status after completing a throwing session for the second straight day without any back discomfort. Hughes tossed 50 pitches on flat ground from 60 feet as he recovers from a bulging disc in his upper back. "We amped up the intensity a bit and doubled the throws," he told the New York Post. "I didn't feel anything. I felt like I lost a tick of arm strength. Hopefully that comes back quick, it's only been two weeks. Hopefully I get that back and go from there."
Hughes targeting March 14
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/2/2013) Yankees starter Phil Hughes, who has been dealing with a bulging disc in his back and has not thrown since early in the spring, hopes to get back to pitching in a game by March 14, reports the New York Post Saturday. Hughes believes if he can attain that goal, he can make his first scheduled start of the season. "That would give me four starts, which is enough," Hughes said. He will soft-toss Sunday and resume light baseball activities if he feels fine in the morning. “That would be a good sign on Sunday,’’ manager Joe Girardi said of the possibility Hughes will toss.
Hughes may resume activities Tuesday
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (2/28/2013)The Journal News reports Thursday that Yankees starting pitcher Phil Hughes could resume playing catch as early as Tuesday. Hughes, who has completed his six-day regimen of anti-inflammatories, has reported no further problems with the bulging disk in his back. “So far everything he’s needed to do has gone great,” Brian Cashman said. “A week of medication and rest, and I think he’s four, five days into the pool. And if everything goes right, maybe by Tuesday of next week, maybe (he’ll play catch). We have to hear from the doctor, but we’re hoping we get the ball in his hand for a flat ground throwing program. One step at a time. I know he feels good.”
Hughes' status in doubt?
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/27/2013) ESPN reports Yankees starting pitcher Phil Hughes has reported no further problems with the bulging disk in his back. He completed his six-day regimen of anti-inflammatories, but he's still not ready to resume baseball activities. "I could come in in two days and they could tell me, you’re throwing today," Hughes said. "I just don’t know beyond the pool work what the plan is for me." Hughes is hopeful to begin throwing soon since he needs a certain amount of time to prepare for the regular season. "Well, every day (of inactivity) is worse in that I’m not throwing," Hughes said. "But it’s a double-edged sword. I don’t want to push this thing and have it become a recurring issue. I want to make sure that it’s over and done with. But at the same time, every day is a day lost, so I’m kind of in that in-between zone."
Hughes making progress
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (2/23/2013) Yankees starter Phil Hughes will finish his rounds of anti-infammatories for the bulging disc in his upper back Saturday, reports the Newark Star-Ledger. Hughes will begin agility activity in the pool on Sunday. Hughes said he is almost symptom-free after suffering the injury on Monday. That said, general manager Brian Cashman indicated it could be two weeks before Hughes can resume throwing.
Hughes dealing with disc issue
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/20/2013) The MRI on Yankees pitcher Phil Hughes' upper back revealed a bulging disc. "I have to take anti-inflammatories for the next four or five days and do some pool work," Hughes said Tuesday, per the New York Post. "It's on the spine and radiates out toward the shoulder blades." Hughes is confident the medication will alleviate the issue. "I feel like when I get through the anti-inflammatories, I will be confident I will be symptom free,'' Hughes said. "The positive is that is that I was ahead of the game throwing the ball.'' Hughes said he's hopeful he will start throwing again in 7-8 days. General manager Brian Cashman is operating on the assumption Hughes will be out at least two weeks.
Hughes to miss a few days
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/19/2013) Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Tuesday starting pitcher Phil Hughes will miss a few days with upper back stiffness near his shoulder. "Theres always a little bit of concern," Girardi said. "It's [his] upper back, so we'll see how he is in a couple of days. The good thing is, he was ahead of where he'd probably normally be at this time, so it helps."
Yankees, Hughes avoid arbitration
(1/16/2013) The Yankees and pitcher Phil Hughes avoided arbitration on Wednesday by agreeing to a one-year, $7.15 million contract. Hughes went 16-13 with a 4.23 ERA in 32 starts last season.
