Yankees starter Phil Hughes, still feeling the effects of the back spasms that have sidelined him since a bullpen session Friday, may be pushed back again.
“We’re just gonna wait and if he can’t start the first game, he can’t start and we’ll figure it out,” Joe Girardi said about the first game of today’s day-night doubleheader against the Rays. “I’m not sure he can make the start, but I’m still gonna have a little hope that he can.”
Hughes was scratched from Monday’s start in yet another setback in a season full of them for the right-hander. Girardi said he thought Hughes was feeling the “aftermath” of the spasms.
“It’s not the best time to have them,” said Girardi, who refused to name potential replacements if Hughes is unable to go. “We have some candidates down there.”
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Since the Yankees didn’t need any long relief last night, Hector Noesi could be an option to start today.
“I’ve blocked things out for the majority of this year,” Hughes said. “Just try to go out and pitch as well as I can in that given start, not worry about the implications or whatever else may be involved.”
Hughes’ situation could complicate plans going forward as the Yankees try to figure out their starting rotation for the postseason. Girardi said he will consider many factors putting together a rotation.
“I think you have to look at everything,” said Girardi. “There’s no simple formula.”
CC Sabathia will start the nightcap of today’s doubleheader. Bartolo Colon will pitch tomorrow.
* Girardi doesn’t know when — or even if — Francisco Cervelli will return from his concussion.
“I’m not sure we’re gonna get him back,” Girardi said of Cervelli, who has been out since suffering the injury in a collision at the plate in Baltimore on Sept. 8. “He’s seeing a neurologist Friday. He’s not ready to do any baseball activity as of yet.”
The catcher is still feeling symptoms and the manager is uncertain how long it will take Cervelli to get ready to play once he is healthy.
“Let’s just see what the doctors say,” Girardi said.
Losing Cervelli would likely keep Austin Romine on the roster into the playoffs.
* Derek Jeter had a pair of singles last night, moving him past Cap Anson into sole possession for 19th on the all-time hit list. He now has 3,082 hits. Next up is Dave Winfield with 3,110. . . . Alex Rodriguez was used as the DH last night.