There is a possibility Bartolo Colon could start against the Mets Saturday at Citi Field.
Colon, on the disabled list with a strained left hamstring, threw four innings and 60 pitches in a simulated game at the Yankees’ minor league complex in Tampa yesterday and the report general manager Brian Cashman got was that the veteran right-hander impressed those on hand.
“Gordon Blakeley watched him and he said [Colon] looked good,” Cashman said of his veteran scout. “We will see how he feels [today] and talk about [what’s next].”
Freddy Garcia starts tonight against the Brewers at Yankee Stadium, A.J. Burnett throws tomorrow night, CC Sabathia goes Thursday night and Ivan Nova opens the three-game Subway Series at the Mets on Friday night, so the Yankees could turn to Colon on Saturday, or give Brian Gordon the start.
Colon, 38, is 5-3 with a 3.10 ERA in 13 games (10 starts) and opposing hitters are batting .227 against him.
If Colon starts Saturday, he would do so without working a rehab game. He went on the DL June 12, a day after straining his hamstring running toward first base.
The Yankees might believe that yesterday’s simulated game could be enough because Colon located his fastball well and didn’t labor. Usually, pitchers suffering from leg problems have control issues.
Gordon was OK in his first start and not good in his second since the Yankees signed him after he opted out of a minor league deal with the Phillies. If bounced from the rotation, the right-hander could fill the long-relief role.
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Phil Hughes will make his third minor league start tomorrow for Double-A Trenton and he might be two more outings away from coming off the DL.
When he does, Hughes won’t be pitching in relief. Asked yesterday if Hughes could land in the bullpen upon returning from right shoulder inflammation, Cashman said, “starter.”
According to Cashman it’s likely that Hughes, who has been on the DL since April 15, will need two more minor league outings.
If there are no injuries when Hughes comes back, the rotation is going to be crowded, raising the the possibility of Nova being sent to the bullpen.
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The late Mickey Mantle‘s sons, David and Danny, will be at Yankee Stadium today to film an American Cancer public service announcement with CC Sabathia and Nick Swisher.
