Hughes Off DL, Gets Start This Afternoon

The Associated Press

Yesterday, the Yankees released Phil Hughes from his stint on the disabled list. He will start this afternoon's game against the Tigers, facing Detroit starter Max Scherzer; a start originally slated for David Phelps.

This move by the Yankees seems somewhat in desperation. Hughes was supposed to start today in a minor league game for Triple-A affiliate Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. But after losing to the Tigers yesterday, 8-3, and starting the season with a 1-3 record, the Yankees want to take a chance that Phil can do what Andy Pettitte did on Thursday: provide relief to a depleted pitch staff and restore order for a slumping lineup.

Hughes' record against Detroit may also be why the Yankees were willing to pull him from the disabled ranks earlier than anticipated. In 8 career starts, he sports a 5-4 record with a 4.22 ERA. Not bad. But even better, on the Tigers' home turf, Hughes has a 2.78 ERA and the only complete game of his career.

So Hughes will be expected to step in today and go big having not been able to pitch to major league hitters since last year's ALCS. He was scratched from Spring Training in mid-February with back pain, and was limited to simulated games and stints in the minors after rehab. The pressure will be on; thus far, the rotation has pitched to an ERA of over 5, and have allowed 25 hits in less than 20 innings.

Today's game will be broadcast on FOX at 4 pm.

Follow Rasheeda Cooper on twitter: @ra_cooper