Phil Hughes exits start with back stiffness

New York Yankees right-hander Phil Hughes left last night’s start against the Detroit Tigers after only three innings due to a stiff back, reports Sweeny Murti of CBS New York:

Yanks announce that Hughes left tonight's game with a stiff back.

— Sweeny Murti (@YankeesWFAN) October 17, 2012

Hughes was solid over his first three innings pitched, but allowed a solo home run to Tigers outfielder Delmon Young and walked Andy Dirks before being removed in the 4^th. He allowed one run on three hits and three walks with one strikeout over three innings.

After the game Hughes told reporters that the stiffness wasn’t so bad that he couldn’t have pitched, but the Yankees didn’t want to take any chances given the circumstances. Hughes was replaced by David Phelps who allowed a run on two hits over an inning of work.

Hughes is listed as day-to-day, and it’s not clear what his availability will be if the Yankees are able to extend their playoff run to his next scheduled start.