Phil Hughes Diagnosed with Back Inflammation

Phil Hughes’ dodged another injury-related bullet Wednesday, as his back issues have been diagnosed as merely inflammation.  After receiving the positive results following yesterday’s MRI exam, the New York Yankees expect Hughes to start one more game for them before the end of the regular season.

Hughes started experiencing discomfort last week when he told the Yankees he was dealing with back spasms.  The problem arose following Hughes’ Friday bullpen session, and New York decided to push back his Monday start.

The situation didn’t improve as the week progressed, and Hughes wasn’t able to take the mound in either game of the Yankees double header Wednesday.  Instead, New York wanted Hughes to undergo an MRI so the club could figure out the true problem causing the right-hander’s back pain.

The results showed inflammation, and Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said, at this point, the team isn’t worried about Hughes.  Still, with the postseason approaching, New York had Hughes receive an epidural injection to try and relieve some of the discomfort.

Cashman told reporters that this wouldn’t normally be required, but the team decided to go with the quick-fix at this point of the season.

While this is expected to allow Hughes to start another game this regular season, his role for the postseason has yet to be determined. Heading into the ALDS, the Yankees say they are comfortable using Hughes as a reliever or starter.

Hughes has spent most of his time as a starter over the past two seasons, but was used in relief in 2009.  That year, Hughes made 44 appearances out of the Yankees pen, going 5-1 with a 1.40 ERA and 65 strike outs in his 51.1 innings of work.

Returning to a starting role in 2010, Hughes had a solid year for the Yankees, winning 18 games and representing the American League in the Mid-Summer Classic.

But 2011 hasn’t been as kind to Hughes.  Following his rough start to the season, Hughes missed nearly two months of action while dealing with shoulder inflammation and dead arm.  After his return, Hughes still hasn’t found his groove on the mound.  The 25 year old has only managed an ERA of 6 this season.

A year removed from an 18 win season, Hughes might find himself on the outside looking in this October.

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