TAMPA — For the second straight day, Phil Hughes was encouraged a throwing session didn’t leave him with any back discomfort.
“We amped up the intensity a bit and doubled the throws,’’ Hughes said following a 50-toss outing on flat ground at 60 feet at George M. Steinbrenner Field yesterday morning. “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 hasn’t pitched off a mound since suffering a bulging disk while participating in a fielding drill on Feb. 18.
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Hughes said last week if he is on the mound by March 14, there is enough time for him to avoid starting the season on the disabled list.
Because it’s only a tick of arm strength missing on flat ground tosses, Hughes isn’t concerned.
“Toward the end you feel that it’s not coming out as good as it was two weeks ago,’’ Hughes said. “I anticipated that happening. I am confident that the tiny bit I lost I will get back.’’
Hughes isn’t sure what the next chapter is but said it could involve moving from 60 feet to a long toss program.
“[Today] I am off and Wednesday I think some long toss at some point, but I am not 100 percent positive on that,’’ said Hughes, who said he has been pain free for five days.
* For an off day there was a lot of activity at GMS Field.
In addition to Hughes playing catch, Ichiro Suzuki worked out and showed no signs the car accident he was involved in Saturday affected him. Ichiro, whose Land Rover was totaled, ran, stretched and long tossed.
* Rehabbing pitchers Manuel Banuelos, Michael Pineda and Cesar Cabral threw off flat ground.
Kevin Youkilis received treatment for his oblique issue.
* Jose Reyes knows a lot of people are picking the Blue Jays to win the AL East but all he is guaranteeing is a club that will battle.
“We have good chemistry,’’ the Blue Jays’ shortstop said. “The team we put on the field will compete.’’
* Robinson Cano’s father, Jose, is with the Dominican Republic WBC team as the bullpen coach and the son appreciates the situation.
“You are happy to get to the point for the guy who raised you up,’’ Robinson said. “Not everybody gets the privilege to spend time with your dad, not only on the field but to represent your country.’’