For what he said was to be the first time this season, Mariano Rivera was preparing to have a chat with Phil Hughes about his struggles.
“I will talk to him,” Rivera said.
Rivera said he hadn’t felt compelled to advise Hughes this season — Hughes’ brilliance had made it unnecessary. Hughes was one of the Yankees’ most valuable players — and one of their biggest revelations — during the season. But he hasn’t been the same in the playoffs, and as the Yankees and Angels head into tonight’s ALCS Game 6, Hughes is coming off his first career postseason loss.
In Thursday’s Game 5 in Anaheim, Hughes was summoned in the seventh inning with a runner on third, two outs and the Yankees holding a 6-5 lead. He proceeded to walk Torii Hunter and allow RBI singles to Vladimir Guerrero and Kendry Morales, giving the Angels a 7-6 lead.
Hughes has pitched in six playoff games, totaling 4 2/3 innings. He has a 5.79 ERA and has allowed 11 men to reach base.
Rivera would not reveal what he planned to say to Hughes.
Asked why he wants to talk to him, Rivera said, “Because I feel like it. I haven’t talked to him all year because he’s been so great. . . . I don’t want him to change anything. Just believe.”
Rivera seemed to be hinting that Hughes has lost confidence. Or maybe the closer was just implying that he wants to ensure that the 23-year-old righty continues to keep his confidence.
During Friday’s workout, Jorge Posada also said he planned to speak to Hughes. So perhaps Hughes is receiving counsel from multiple Yankees veterans.
He’s allowed at least one hit in all six of his appearances. During the regular season, he didn’t allow a hit or walk in 19 of his 44 relief appearances. On Friday, pitching coach Dave Eiland said Hughes was continuing to struggle mechanically with being too quick with his delivery, which “affects your command.” Still, Eiland said Hughes wasn’t down.
“He wishes we were playing tonight, and he could get back out there tonight,” he said. “That’s just how he’s made up.”