The Daily Yankeeland - 8/13

The Yankees and Twins finish up their three game series today with an afternoon affair at the Metrodome. Darrell Rasner goes against right-hander Kevin Slowey.

X-Rays of Derek Jeter's ankle came back negative, but he's sitting out today's game. Wilson Betemit will get the start at shortstop.

Phil Hughes took a step closer to returning to the Bronx with his performance for Scranton last night. Hughes threw 84 pitches, 50 of them for strikes, and was consistently in the 93-94 mph range with his fastball. He allowed 2 runs on 3 hits, walked 1 and struck out 4. According to the Scranton Times' Mike Scandura, only two baseballs were hit hard off of the prized right-hander.

“I felt fine, just like the last few times out,” said Hughes, who was on an 85-pitch count. “I wanted to mix in more changeups. I threw some in counts that I normally wouldn’t throw them in. But we decided to go with it because I wanted to get a few more in.

“Overall, I felt pretty good. I haven’t felt the rib (his ninth rib) since I was in Tampa. It’s kind of a long process but it’s good to be back and throwing the ball pretty well.”

Butch Wyneger is filling in as Scranton manager, with Dave Miley away indefinitely due to the death of his teenage son. A moment of silence was held before the game, which the Yankees won in 11 innings on Eric Duncan's double.

Carl Pavano also made a rehab start last night and got clobbered. Not surprising that as a possible return to the majors was discussed, Pavano got his ass kicked. He threw 80 pitches, 51 of them for strikes, in 4.1 innings. He was tagged for 5 earned runs on 7 hits, including 2 home runs, hit 2 batters, and struck out 3. His fastball was clocked between 86-91. Mike Ashmore has more details on Pavano's performance and post-game comments.

Here's today's lineup from PeteAbe

Damon LF
Abreu DH
A. Rodriguez 3B
Giambi 1B
Nady RF
Cano 2B
I. Rodriguez C
Betemit SS
Cabrera CF

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Rehab Update

Phil Hughes was back on this hill this evening for the Scranton Yankees. He went 4.2 innings, throwing 68 pitches, 40 of them strikes. His fastball was clocked at 93-94 mph. Chad Jennings has more specifics of Hughes' outing.

The question now will be whether Hughes' next outing is for the Scranton or New York Yankees.

Carl Pavano was also back on the mound tonight for the Trenton Thunder. According to Mike Ashmore, Pavano went 3.2 innings, allowing 1 hit, no runs, walked 2, and struck out 4.

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Hughes at 75 and Climbing

Phil Hughes was on a 75 pitch count in his rehab start last night for Scranton, and came up just 2 shy of hitting that exact total. He threw 6 excellent innings, allowing just 2 hits and struck out 7. Read the details from the Star Ledger's Jenny Vrentas.

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Hughes Turns it Up a Notch

Phil Hughes made his 2nd rehab start tonight, up one level from his last start to Double-A. Hughes started for the Trenton Thunder, striking out 6 in a 3 inning scoreless appearance. Hughes did not walk a batter and allowed 3 hits against New Hampshire.

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