In Midst Of Playoff Push, Will Huff Replace Hughes In Yankees' Rotation?
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Heading into Tuesday night's action, the Yankees are just 2 1/2 games behind the Rays for the second Wild Card berth in the American League.
Needless to say, every game from here on out is a must-win for the Bronx Bombers.
So what should manager Joe Girardi do with Phil Hughes, who has been the club's worst starting pitcher? Should he remain in the rotation for the playoff push?
Hughes' start was pushed back to Monday, but he only pitched 1 1/3 innings before rain hit the Bronx. David Huff took the ball for the Yankees when play resumed and got the win, allowing just one run on five hits over 5 2/3 innings.
"He did a really nice job," Girardi said. "He's pitched well for us. Those were big innings for us where we didn't have to use like four or five guys in the bullpen, and that helps."
So will Huff take Hughes' spot in the rotation for the remainder of September?
Following the Yankees' 9-1 victory, the manager said that he has made no changes to the starting rotation. He did, however, admit that Huff could make a start this month.
"We'll play it by ear," the skipper told MLB.com in regard to Huff.
Whether it be in the rotation or out of the bullpen, Huff just wants to help New York get to the playoffs any way he can.
"I'm just hopeful to get innings," Huff said. "We're trying to make a playoff push right now, and we're just trying to win ballgames."
In 26 starts for the Yankees this season, Hughes is 4-13 with a 4.86 ERA. He's surrendered 153 hits and 23 home runs in 137 innings pitched.
Huff has made just six appearances for the Yankees, allowing two runs on seven hits in 16 innings pitched.
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