New York Yankees: Phil Hughes Takes a Step Backwards

Phil Hughes went through another bullpen session this afternoon as he and the Yankee's pitching staff try to diagnose what is going on with his "dead arm." Today was crucial in the rehabbing process because if things went well and his arm responded favorably, a minor league spot start was next in line this week.

The long-toss program was supposed to be the answer to the issue at hand, as it would strengthen his arm back up to where it was prior. 

After a promising bullpen and long-toss session on Saturday, things seemed to be looking up. Larry Rothschild was happy with the results and they were one step closer to getting Hughes into a minor league start.

Things didn't work out according to plan.

Both Hughes and Girardi were discouraged by the results as once again, there was nothing behind his pitches. 

The bullpen session was cut short as Hughes said that his arm felt lifeless. Even though he declares that he feels no pain, a doctors visit has been scheduled to make sure that Hughes has no structural damage and isn't just trying to stick it out.

It looks as if Colon's stint in the rotation will be further extended and it wouldn't be shocking to see this as a permanent fixture for the foreseeable future.

If Colon continues to make strong starts, Girardi will have to make some major decisions about his 18-game winner. 

For now, Girardi and the Yankees will ride Colon and cross that bridge if and when they have to.