It took the majority of spring training, but the Yankees have finally named Phil Hughes as their fifth starter for the regular season:
Phil Hughes Named Yankees Fifth Starter; Joba Chamberlain Headed To Bullpen
Hughes, who was told earlier in the day that he would start on Friday against the Phillies on three days of rest, won the job over Joba Chamberlain, Alfredo Aceves and Sergio Mitre. Chad Gaudin, another candidate, was released on Thursday.
The manager said that he was impressed by Hughes' improved changeup during his past two Spring Training outings
The big loser in all of this is Chamberlain, who will find himself in the bullpen, likely setting up closer Mariano Rivera. Earlier this week, Pinstripe Alley commented on the chance of Chamberlain being a bullpen arm, saying, "any position but MLB starter makes last season's angst a waste."
Hughes, though, earned the starter spot in part due to his command he’s shown in the spring. Through 13 innings, he’s struck out 10 and walked just two batters. His ERA sits at 4.15, a solid number considering his biggest competition -- Chamberlain -- has allowed 12 runs in 6.2 innings this spring.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Hughes will be on an innings limit similar to Chamberlain’s in 2009.
For more reaction, visit SB Nation’s Pinstripe Alley.
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