Closed for Discussion: Phil Hughes Can Seal the Deals While Mariano Rivera Heals
September 3, 2009 · Doug Rush · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
On Wednesday night, following the Yankees’ sweep of the Orioles 10-2, it was reported that closer Mariano Rivera has soreness in his left groin and could be out at least until the weekend.
Rivera said he first began to feel sore on Aug. 15 in Seattle. The right-hander has pitched in five games since then, including Monday and Tuesday, when he recorded his 37th and 38th saves against Baltimore.
“I’ve had groin issues, but this is new. It’s the left leg, which is good because you don’t push off that leg,” Rivera said. “It just happened while I was pitching. It’s nothing to worry about; we’ll go day by day. I’ll play as soon as possible.”
While this might seem like the wrong time for Rivera to experience soreness in his groin, there is absolutely no need for Yankee fans to worry, because the Yankees have Phil Hughes to fill the role for right now.
Hughes has been a godsend for the Yankees bullpen in 2009, as he has been so dominant in the setup role.
He started out as a starter in April and May and had his ups and downs, going 3-2 with a 5.45 ERA in seven starts. When Chien-Ming Wang was ready to return to the rotation, Joe Girardi had a tough decision to make: Send Hughes back to AAA or put him in the bullpen.
Girardi put Hughes in the bullpen, and it’s been one of the best decisions he’s made in 2009.
Since June, Hughes’ ERA has gone from 5.45 on June 1 to 3.16 on Sept. 2. In 39 innings of relief for Hughes, he has struck out 49 batters and had an ERA around 1.00. Hughes went from a confused starter to a confident and dominant reliever really quick.
He’s also picked up two saves, one on July 23 against the Oakland A’s and one on Wednesday night against Baltimore, and 15 holds in 2009.
While Rivera gets healthy, Hughes will more than likely be the one stepping in to close games this week if needed for the Yankees.
Most fans should feel very confident with Hughes being the part-time closer, because it will only give him more confidence coming into games late, and it will give him the confidence to pitch in the playoffs when the pressure is elevated.
His arm strength has gotten much better in 2009. His fastball used to only hit around 90-91 when he was a starter. As a reliever, he built up the arm and can throw his fastball anywhere from 95-96 miles per hour and blow hitters away. Then throw in his curveball that buckles hitters’ knees, and Hughes has a great combination of pitches.
This is in no way saying we don’t need Rivera for the rest of the season. The Yankees will need Rivera for the stretch run.
Rivera leads all of baseball with 38 saves, converting 34 in a row, and has a 1.78 ERA with 61 strikeouts in 55.2 innings. The Yankees will need Rivera healthy if they want to make a deep run in October baseball.
But for right now, the Yankees don’t need to worry. Hughes has been so dominant in the bullpen, he can serve as the closer in the meantime, and it will be a great learning experience for him because it will give him a taste of what to expect when October comes.
This week will benefit Hughes and the Yankees as Rivera recovers. No worries will be needed here. When Rivera returns, Hughes will be back at setup man, but even stronger, more confident, and even more dominant.
In the end, the Yankees will be better off for this. Good luck dealing with Hughes and Rivera come October.
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