TAMPA — Phil Hughes will pitch in a minor league game for the first time today on three days’ rest.
“They asked and I said, ‘I felt fine,’ ” said Hughes, whose threw a simulated game Monday at the minor league complex.
Hughes, who was hampered early in camp by a bulging disk in the upper back, is trying to avoid opening the season on the disabled list.
Like with Derek Jeter, the Yankees will likely keep Hughes away from big league exhibition games so they can back-date him until today if he has to be placed on the shelf. If backdated to today, Hughes would be eligible to come off the DL April 6.
There is time for Hughes to start the season on the active list but it will be close.
“Let’s see how he does the next two turns,’’ Joe Girardi said.
If Hughes comes through the next two outings without a physical problem he could start against the Tigers on April 6 in Detroit.
Hiroki Kuroda, who Girardi officially anointed his Game 2 starter yesterday, will also throw in a minor league game today.
PHOTOS: YANKEES SPRING TRAINING
Girardi said Andy Pettitte will start the third game. CC Sabathia, of course, will work Opening Day against the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium April 1.
* With the Florida portion of spring training ending next Thursday, what becomes of Alex Rodriguez’s rehab program?
According to Girardi, Rodriguez continues to work back from January 16 hip surgery in New York.
“I think he is doing a lot of work in the pool,’’ Girardi said of the third baseman who is expected to be out until at least July and could miss the entire season. And his named has been linked to the Biogenesis situation. The manager says he sends Rodriguez text messages once a week.
General manager Brian Cashman relies on his medical staff to keep him posted what Rodriguez is doing.
“I keep in touch through our trainers and he is doing everything he needs to be doing,’’ Cashman said.
It’s been two-plus months since the operation but the Yankees aren’t sure when Rodriguez will be released to do even the most basic baseball exercises.
* No matter how many teams call Cashman and inquire about a deal involving David Phelps, the answer is always the same.
“I am not looking to move him,’’ Cashman said of last night’s starter who can start or relieve. “I am looking to move the bad stuff, stuff that can’t be moved.’’
Phelps struggled in the Yankees’ 6-1 loss to the Twins last night at George M. Steinbrenner Field, giving up five runs and six hits in 3 2/3 innnigs. He also had six strikeouts and three walks.
“I am not sure when his actual rehab to field activity will take place. I don’t have that yet,’’ Cashman said. “Once he does baseball activity we will get him down here.’’
Rodriguez’s spokesman re-issued a statement yesterday when asked about an update.
“Right now I’m dedicating 100% of my energy and focus on my rehabilitation. I am conducting two rehab sessions each and every day in an effort to get back on the field and rejoin my Yankees teammates,” said Rodriguez, who is working with surgeon Dr. Brian Kelly and trainer Pete Draovitch. “I think we have a great team and I want to be a part of it.”
If Rodriguez is rehabbing in New York when the season opens, Girardi hopes he can be around the team.
“I’d like to see him. I went through it one time and you almost feel like you aren’t part of the team,’’ Girardi said. “It feels odd.’’
According to Cashman, Chien-Ming Wang will throw a “few’’ bullpens for Yankees talent evaluators.The first one is slated for today.
“He will do a few bullpens for us. We will evaluate if we would sign him to be a starter at Triple-A or not,’’ Cashman said.
* Clay Rapada is running out of time to avoid opening the season on the DL due to bursitis in the left shoulder.
“It’s a small possibility,’’ Girardi said of the lefty specialist being ready for Opening Day. “We will see how he progresses. It’s getting kind of late now.’’
* No matter how many teams call Cashman and inquire about a deal involving David Phelps, the answer is always the same.
“I am not looking to move him,’’ Cashman said of last night’s starter who can start or relieve. “I am looking to move the bad stuff, stuff that can’t be moved.’’
Phelps struggled in the Yankees’ 6-1 loss to the Twins last night at George M. Steinbrenner Field, giving up five runs and six hits in 3 2/3 innnigs. He also had six strikeouts and three walks.