TAMPA, FLA. -- Righthander Phil Hughes understands the situation he's in after the Twins completed their latest transaction, signing free agent righthander Lance Lynn.
Phil Hughes beats Yankees as he battles for spot in Twins' rotation
Hughes gave up one run over four innings in the Twins' 2-1 victory.
March 13, 2018 at 4:29AM
The Twins also have added righthander Jake Odorizzi and designated hitter-first baseman Logan Morrison since camp opened. But Lynn's arrival makes it unlikely that Hughes could be part of the rotation if the Twins open the season with four starters.
"It's a good thing for us, and our team is better, with these moves we have made," Hughes said. "Kind of makes my status a little cloudy, but I can't let that affect me. Can't let it be in my head and when I go out and pitch in games like this because I still have to go out and be productive and get results."
Hughes held the Yankees to one run over four innings on Monday as the Twins held off New York 2-1. Showing increased usage of his off speed stuff, Hughes did give up a couple of hard hit balls - including Tyler Austin's home run in the fourth - but stayed out of big trouble.
Hughes threw his fastball 89-90 miles per hour on Monday, a few mph lower than he threw before having thoracic outlet surgery in each of the last two seasons. Consequently, he's getting used to pitching without a 94 mph fastball.
"It's not an overnight adjustment," Hughes said. "It takes repetition."
Bobby Wilson's two run homer in the second off of Yankees starter Masahiro Tanaka accounted for the Twins offense on Monday. Robbie Grossman and Nick Gordon each had two hits. Byron Buxton struck out four times.
Only 34 years old, Jeremy Zoll has worked his way up the organizational ranks since coming to the Twins in 2018.
