How two different storms may cost Phil Hughes a half-million

It would have been a lot easier for Hughes if not for rain postponing a Twins game against the White Sox on September 12. Hughes was scheduled to pitch in that game and was forced to pitch a day later instead.

If Hughes had pitched in that game on Friday, he would have been in line to pitch a day earlier this week (Tuesday) which would have also made it possible for him to pitch on the final day of the season (Sunday).

Hughes still had a chance, though. It was a slim chance, but he certainly could have earned the bonus.

Bad news: Hughes had to pitch 8⅓ innings on Wednesday to reach the bonus.

Good news: He had his best stuff and pitched eight scoreless innings, and he was poised to get at least one more out.

Unbelieveable news: There was an hour-long rain delay between the eighth and ninth innings, forcing Ron Gardenhire to pull him.

Hughes had every chance of reaching his bonus, but on two different occasions, rain screwed him. Considering that he already gave up potential millions to commit to the Twins for two more years instead of hitting the open market after his best season, he isn’t having the best fiscal year*.

Let’s see if he makes a surprise bullpen appearance on Sunday.

*_{Other than the millions he’s already made and will continue to make.}