CC Sabathia and Phil Hughes were supposed to be the backbone of an otherwise questionable rotation. Now, Phil Hughes is a question mark. He has somehow managed to make A.J. Burnett an afterthought in Yankees Universe.
After two starts and six total innings this season, Hughes has given up 12 hits, 3 home runs, and 11 earned runs. He has just one strikeout and a ridiculous 16.50 ERA. "It's kind of a hopeless feeling," said Hughes after his latest start against the Red Sox.
Hughes' fastball has averaged around 89 MPH in his first two starts. In 2010, his fastball averaged 92-94 MPH. His velocity was down all spring as well, according to Yankee pitching coach Larry Rothschild. "The arm strength hasn't been there all spring," Rothschild said. "I don't know if he's lost it or just hasn't built up all the way yet. Some guys are slower like that, and he's clearly right now one of them."
Anything is possible, but it would be quite befuddling if Hughes somehow permanently lost his velocity at this point in his career. I think the more plausible answer would be that he hasn't built up the arm strength yet. Hughes is just 24 years old and has yet to reach his peak. Last year was his first season in the majors as a full-time starter. As a result, he threw a career high 176.1 innings. Before this, his innings high was just 86, which occurred in 2009 when he was primarily a relief pitcher. It is likely that Hughes' arm is still recovering from the innings jump.
Yankee fans should take a deep breath. Hughes has thrown just six innings in the 2011 season. There is no need to think worst case scenario just yet. In time, the Hughes of old will be back. When that happens, we can all go back to making fun of A.J. Burnett.
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