Entering the season, the Yankees’ biggest worry was their 34-year-old No. 2 starter who lost 15 games last year. But two weeks in, it turns out their top concern is the 24-year-old starter who won 18 games in 2010.
It is Phil Hughes, not A.J. Burnett, who has caused hand-wringing around Yankee Stadium. Hughes’ third start was pushed back from tonight to tomorrow after last night’s game with the Orioles was rained out. (No make-up date was announced). That gives Hughes one more day to search for the velocity that has abandoned him.
“It’s obviously something to be worried about,” Hughes said. “This is my job, my livelihood and when I don’t have the stuff I know I’m capable of going out there with, it’s worrisome and it’s frustrating. I’m still confident in the fact that it will be there, but it’s something I’m worried about.”
Hughes is 0-1 with a 16.50 ERA through two outings. Friday in Boston, the Red Sox looked as if they were taking batting practice as he struggled to throw his fastball above 90 mph. He allowed six runs on seven hits in two innings at Fenway Park.
Pitching coach Larry Rothschild and Hughes went to work in the bullpen Sunday afternoon in Boston and tried to fix his mechanics, pushing him to use his lower half more.
Even with Hughes acknowledging he’s worried, his manager said he is not.
“I believe it’s going to change,” said the always-optimistic Joe Girardi. “I think that’s the best message. I’m not concerned about it because I think this kid is talented. It’s only two starts. I believe it’s going to change.”
The Yankees say they are not worried that Hughes is injured, just that he has to build up arm strength. The difference in Hughes this year has been staggering. His fastball is averaging 89.3 mph, down from 92.6 last year, according to fangraphs.com. That has led to a lack of trust in the pitch by Hughes. He has thrown the fastball just 48.5 percent of the time, down from 63.6 percent in 2010.
“I know I have more than what I’ve been showing,” Hughes said. “That’s the frustrating part going out there and trying to pitch with stuff that isn’t you. I hope it turns around quick. If not, I have to find a way.”
Hughes is working with Rothschild after spending nearly his entire professional career with Dave Eiland as his pitching coach. Eiland coached him at Double-A, Triple-A and then the last three years with the Yankees. The only other pitching coach Hughes worked with since 2006 was Ron Guidry in ’07 when he made 13 starts for the Yankees.
“There’s no correlation,” Hughes said. “I haven’t had any issues with [the change.]”
Hughes said teammates have told him to keep his chin up, but none of his fellow pitchers is offering up any suggestions.
“There’s no secret that someone can tell you and you go out there and throw like I’m used to throwing,” Hughes said.
When he takes the mound against the Orioles, Hughes said he knows he has to figure out how to get through the game whether he’s throwing 100 mph or 80.
“I feel good, but it’s impossible to tell,” Hughes said. “If it’s not there, I still have to find a way to pitch and get outs and keep us in the game. I can’t go out there and if I’m not throwing 94-95 say, ‘Well, chalk this one up as another bad one.’ I have to find a way to battle and get through it.”
brian.costello@nypost.com