Among all of the concern over the health of the New York Yankees’ older players, one
of the talented younger pitchers now has a minor health issue. Right-handed
starter Phil Hughes suffered back discomfort on Tuesday during pitcher
defensive drills.
MLB.com’s
Yankees beat writer Bryan Hoch reports that the 26-year-old right hander
experienced discomfort and stiffness in the back of his right shoulder while participating
in pitchers’ fielding practice. Hoch reports that Hughes has seen a doctor and
expects to miss only a few days.
Yankees’
manager Joe Girardi says that the problem is not serious and expects Hughes to
return to action soon. Said Girardi, "There's
always a little bit of concern…. "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."
Hughes went 16-13 with a 4.19 ERA for the Yankees
in 2012 and figures to be the Yankees’ fourth starter in 2013 behind CC Sabathia, Andy Pettitte, and Hiroki Kuroda. Hughes is in the final year of his current
contract and can become a free agent for the first time in his career after the
season ends. He is 52-36 with a 4.38 ERA in his six-year career. A strong season
will enhance his chances of a big payday, especially if he contributes to
another Yankee postseason run.
Sources:
Bryan Hoch, Hughes
Sidelined with Upper Back Discomfort, Yankees.mlb.com, February 19, 2013.
New
York Yankees, Phil
Hughes Player Page, Yankees..mlb.com.Follow @mlbinjurynews
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