SARASOTA, Fla. — Phil Hughes was named to the Yankees’ starting rotation today by manager Joe Girardi.
Hughes won the spring training competition over Joba Chamberlain, Sergio Mitre and Alfredo Aceves.
“It was what I set out in the spring to do,” Hughes said. “I grew up a starter in high school, minor leagues, even my first couple partial seasons in the big leagues.
“It was something that I really wanted and I feel like I’m ready for the challenge and ready for the season that lies ahead. “
Hughes, 24 in June, will take the fifth slot behind CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte and Javier Vazquez.
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The decision puts Chamberlain, 24 last September, back into the bullpen, where he likely will return to pitching the eighth inning ahead of Mariano Rivera.
“I think Joba could do either one (start or relieve), but right now we feel Phil is a little bit ahead as a starter,” Girardi said.
The manager said that was based on a number of factors: Hughes can pitch more innings than Chamberlain at this point in his career; Hughes has gotten better command of his fastball, and is bigger and more mature than he was.
“Each guy had really bright spots. And they showed what they could possibly be,” Girardi said. “But I thought Phil’s changeup the last couple outings has made a big difference.”
Girardi also said he liked how Hughes was tested in the eight-inning role last season while Chamberlain was in the starting rotation.
Girardi would not confirm Chamberlain as Rivera’s primary setup man — “You’ve got to earn it” — and said Chamberlain’s response when told of the Hughes’ decision was “Whatever I can do to help.”
Hughes will pitch Friday on three days’ rest to line him up to take his turn the first time in the regular season. This spring, he has a 4.05 ERA and .240 batting average against, with 10 strikeouts and two walks.
Hughes was 8-3 with a 3.03 ERA in 51 appearances (four starts) last season.
Chamberlain will pitch an inning on Saturday. He has a 16.20 ERA in three games this spring training with a .357 batting average against, seven walks and five strikeouts.
He started 31 games last season, going 9-6 with a 4.75 ERA.
Hughes and Chamberlain spoke briefly at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.
“He just said ‘Congrats,’” Hughes said. “I think we all trust in the front office and the coaching staff to make the right decisions. We just get paid to go out and throw the ball.
“There’s no bitterness or anything like that. We’re all pulling for the same goal, to do what we did last year. The roles might be switched but we’re pulling for each other.”
Hughes made seven starts at the beginning of last season, then was moved to the bullpen after Chien-Ming Wang got hurt. Chamberlain was in the rotation during the regular season, then was shifted in the postseason to the relief role, which appeared to suit him better.
“I felt like everyone had been given an equal opportunity,” Hughes said.
Mitre and Aceves, long shots to win the spot, also likely will pitch out of the bullpen.
With AP