Hughes Strong In Spring Win; Yankees' Rotation Taking Shape
NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) — It's starting to come together for the Bombers.
Yankees right-hander Phil Hughes gave up three runs and eight hits in seven innings during New York's 5-3 win over the Blue Jays on Wednesday night. Robinson Cano hit an RBI single and Russell Martin had a sacrifice fly in a four-run seventh.
New York right fielder Nick Swisher fouled a ball off his left in-step, but finished his at-bat in the sixth. Swisher is sore, but no X-rays were planned.
"Gets him a day of treatment," manager Joe Girardi said. "Hopefully, it's day to day."
The next step in filling two open spots in the Yankees rotation will take place on Thursday's off day, when Freddy Garcia will pitch in a minor league game.
"I think we have a pretty good feel on what Freddy can do, and we had a pretty idea when he came into camp," Girardi said.
Ivan Nova and Garcia appear to be in position to win the slots in the competition that also includes Bartolo Colon and Sergio Mitre.
"Now we're getting to the point where we just have to sit down and have a long meeting," Girardi said.
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Colon has had a strong spring after not pitching in the majors last year, going 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA in four stars. He has struck out 17 and walked one over 15 innings.
"Will there be a point where innings catch up to him in the course of the season?" Girardi said. "That's somewhat of a concern when you have a guy coming off injuries that hasn't thrown a lot. You have to count in your mind and project how many innings he'll give you."
New York's long reliever will likely come from the back of the rotation competition.
Yankees closer Mariano Rivera worked a 1-2-3 eighth for his fourth scoreless inning overall. He expects to pitch two more times before spring training ends.
NOTES: Vice President Joe Biden spent around 30 minutes watching the Yankees work out. ... Blue Jays reliever Frank Francisco (right pectoral muscle) will also start the season on the DL. He will resume a throwing program on Sunday. ... New York reliever Joba Chamberlain (upper left side muscle soreness) said he felt fine one day after pitching one inning. The right-hander had been shutdown for 10 days. ... New York LHP Kei Igawa was back at minor league camp. He had returned to Japan to with his family following this month's earthquake.
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