Commentary

Hughes struggling; De La Rosa rising

Updated: May 19, 2009, 2:30 PM ET

By Tom Haberstroh | Special to ESPN Insider

Starting Phil is a Hughes Mistake

What happened to Phil Hughes' fastball? The former top prospect can't be relied on as a fantasy starter for Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles because he hasn't missed bats with his heat. His last outing against the Orioles on May 9 was as close to batting practice as it gets, as he allowed two walks and eight hits and recorded just five outs. How hittable was the Yankees right-hander? On 23 swings against his fastball, the Orioles never missed once, resulting in six hits in 10 at-bats. His fastball velocity still sits in the low-90s, but the Baltimore lineup isn't having any trouble timing the pitch. Wait until he proves he can get out major league hitters with the fastball before even thinking about starting the 22-year-old.

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