OAKLAND, Calif. — The decision will be made by the Yankees’ medical staff with input from pitching coach Larry Rothschild. But, if Phil Hughes gets a say, the right-handed pitcher thinks he could begin a minor-league rehab start following Saturday’s batting practice/simulated game in Anaheim.
“I think so, but I don’t make that call,” Hughes said of progressing past the bullpen portion of his throwing program. “If I feel good, I will certainly encourage [them] to go somewhere.”
Hughes threw in the bullpen before the Yankees’ 4-2 win over the Athletics at the Coliseum and didn’t experience any problems with his shoulder.
“Everything felt great today,” said Hughes, who has been on the disabled list since April 15 with an inflamed shoulder that received a cortisone shot in late April. “It feels good, but I won’t be able to tell until I throw against hitters and compete in a game somewhere.”
Manager Joe Girardi said he will listen to advice from others about when Hughes begins a rehab stint.
“I will let [trainer] Geno [Monahan], Larry and our doctors decide if he needs another [bullpen] or if he is ready to go,” Girardi said. “Does he need two bullpen sessions? I don’t know.”
Hughes said Saturday’s exercise — even if it’s only batting practice or a simulated game — will provide an indicator.
“It’s nice to see swings,” said Hughes, who hasn’t pitched in a game since April 14.
According to Girardi, Rothschild said Hughes’ workout yesterday, which consisted of throwing his full repertoire of pitches in a simulated inning and sitting down before repeating the process, went well.
“Larry said he was good today,” Girardi said. “Larry said [the ball] was definitely coming out better.”
Hughes, who is 0-1 with a 13.94 ERA in three starts, is hoping to return before June melts into July.
“By the end of the month would be great, but . . .” Hughes said.
When Hughes returns, he could bump struggling Ivan Nova from the rotation, if Nova still has a spot.
Of course, the medical histories of Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia indicate that they will likely require a break at some point.
“You can’t have too much depth,” Girardi said.
