Hughes Slated for Rehab Start on Saturday
MOOSIC, Pa. - In game three of the team's new era, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) will get a taste of 'The Show'. On Saturday, April 6, right-hander Phil Hughes should become the first big leaguer to rehab as a RailRider. He is scheduled to start the 7:05 p.m. game against the Pawtucket Red Sox.
Hughes has been battling a bulging disc in his back since mid-February. He was placed on the 15-day DL on March 31 with the move retroactive to March 22. The 26-year-old was a first-round pick by the Bombers in 2004 (23rd overall). He made his Major League debut on April 26, 2007 and has gone 52-36 with a 4.39 ERA over 152 big league appearances (103 starts). That includes a team-high-tying 16 victories last season. An American League All-Star in 2010 when he won a career-best 18 games, Hughes is no stranger to SWB.
The Mission Viejo, Calif. native has gone 8-1 with a 3.51 ERA over 14 nods with the franchise. Hughes has pitched during four different playoff journeys for the Pinstripes, including multiple appearances each round when the franchise won its record 27th World Series championship in 2009.
On Saturday night, in addition to Hughes' probable start, the first 2,500 guests walking into the gates of PNC Field will be handed a Greg Legg bobblehead on Greg Legg Night. The night and the bobblehead are presented by PNC Bank. The tribute to the SWB baseball legend is just the beginning of Saturday night's fun, as Legg will be on the field prior to first pitch for a special ceremony. Guests can enjoy music from a pre-game band as they enter through the home plate entrance. And for those that have yet to experience enough explosions in the sky, a special bonus fireworks show will be launched after the game.
Tickets for all games are still available, including Opening Night. For more information, please visit the team's official website, www.swbrailriders.com, or call 570-969-BALL (2255).
- SWB RailRiders - All Aboard! -