TAMPA, Fla. — Right-hander Phil Hughes was one of four players optioned to the minors by the New York Yankees on Saturday.
Hughes, and pitchers Steven Jackson and Anthony Claggett were optioned to Triple-A Scranton-Wikes/Barre. Reliever Humberto Sanchez was optioned to Double-A Trenton, while right-handers Jason Johnson and Sergio Mitre were reassigned to the minor league camp.
Hughes, who started the 2008 season in the Yankees rotation, had little chance to start this season after New York signed free agents CC Sabathia and A.J Burnett during the offseason. He did put himself in position to be called up in case of an injury by posting a 2.19 ERA in four spring training appearances.
“Hughes had a great camp,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. “He’s in a good frame of mind. He knows he did great.”
Johnson, coming back after treatment for a small cancerous tumor behind his right eye, was expected to compete for the long relief role. He appeared in two games.
Kei Igawa has gotten into the long relief competition, along with Brett Tomko, Dan Giese and Alfredo Aceves, by throwing 12 2-3 scoreless innings.
“He’s been efficient throwing strikes,” Cashman said. “He’s got good stuff, but his command hasn’t been there. Now he’s showing the good stuff.”
In addition, teams looking for pitching help have been scouting Igawa.
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