In what could have interesting roster implications, Phil Hughes has been diagnosed with a mild left oblique strain.
While the Twins are calling it a mild strain, oblique injuries can be pesky. And it raises the possibility of Hughes not being able to pitch at the start of the season. Hughes is 1-1 with a 6.06 ERA in five spring training outings. And he's searching for sharpness as he returns from surgery to cure thoracic outlet syndrome surgery for the second straight season.
If Hughes has to go on the disabled list, the Twins could begin the season with both lefthander Gabriel Moya and Rule 5 pick Tyler Kinney, a righthander, in the bullpen.
But the Twins will need a fifth starter on April 11, and will have to monitor Hughes carefully over the several days to see when he can throw in the bullpen and how he reacts to that.
Hughes came out of his last start on Thursday against the Yankees feeling discomfort.
Also, outfielder Zack Granite has a right shoulder contusion, suffered when he made a diving catch on Thursday against the Yankees. He told our Phil Miller that it doesn't bother him much. He's listed as day to day. Granite is in the running for a bench role.
Phil will have more from Sarasota after the media speaks with Twins manager Paul Molitor.
