The Daily Yankeeland - 8/13

The Yankees and Twins finish up their three game series today with an afternoon affair at the Metrodome. Darrell Rasner goes against right-hander Kevin Slowey.

X-Rays of Derek Jeter's ankle came back negative, but he's sitting out today's game. Wilson Betemit will get the start at shortstop.

Phil Hughes took a step closer to returning to the Bronx with his performance for Scranton last night. Hughes threw 84 pitches, 50 of them for strikes, and was consistently in the 93-94 mph range with his fastball. He allowed 2 runs on 3 hits, walked 1 and struck out 4. According to the Scranton Times' Mike Scandura, only two baseballs were hit hard off of the prized right-hander.

“I felt fine, just like the last few times out,” said Hughes, who was on an 85-pitch count. “I wanted to mix in more changeups. I threw some in counts that I normally wouldn’t throw them in. But we decided to go with it because I wanted to get a few more in.

“Overall, I felt pretty good. I haven’t felt the rib (his ninth rib) since I was in Tampa. It’s kind of a long process but it’s good to be back and throwing the ball pretty well.”

Butch Wyneger is filling in as Scranton manager, with Dave Miley away indefinitely due to the death of his teenage son. A moment of silence was held before the game, which the Yankees won in 11 innings on Eric Duncan's double.

Carl Pavano also made a rehab start last night and got clobbered. Not surprising that as a possible return to the majors was discussed, Pavano got his ass kicked. He threw 80 pitches, 51 of them for strikes, in 4.1 innings. He was tagged for 5 earned runs on 7 hits, including 2 home runs, hit 2 batters, and struck out 3. His fastball was clocked between 86-91. Mike Ashmore has more details on Pavano's performance and post-game comments.

Here's today's lineup from PeteAbe

Damon LF
Abreu DH
A. Rodriguez 3B
Giambi 1B
Nady RF
Cano 2B
I. Rodriguez C
Betemit SS
Cabrera CF