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Following another disappointing performance by 27-year-old hurler Phil Hughes, the New York Yankees are left wondering what pitcher they will be putting on the mound every fifth day.

After the loss to the Toronto Blue Jays where the starter yielded three earned runs and seven hits in just four and two-thirds innings, MLB.COM beat writer Bryan Hoch reported that manager Joe Girardi could only give a “lukewarm endorsement” of his pitcher.

He holds a one-year contract, and his less than stellar appearances this season could mark the end of six years in pinstripes.  The realization of this has reportedly left Hughes willing to take a bullpen role with any team that will sign him next year.

2013 has been a microcosm of Hughes’ entire career; loaded with promising highs and perplexing lows. 

The right-handed starter with a mid-90s fastball and a sharp slider just can’t put it all together.  Whether it be from start to start, or year to year, the club never knows what it will get from Hughes.

It seems that every time the Yankees and their fans are ready to embrace him, the “bad Hughes” leaves them feeling like “Hannah Montana” fans at the Video Music Awards.

As the team tries to make a run at a spot in the playoffs during the final month, the wild inconsistency he has shown is hurting their chances, and patience is wearing thin.

The Yankees problem is that there are few, if any, options to replace Hughes. 

David Phelps is on the 60-day disabled list and may not pitch again this season.

During his rehab from a torn labrum at Triple A Scranton, Michael Pineda has had mixed results.  After experiencing shoulder stiffness following an August 2 start, he was temporarily shut down.

Adam Warren, with the exception of one game this season, has been used as a long reliever.  The team would prefer to keep him in the bullpen.

Recent call-up David Huff has been extremely effective in his four relief appearances.  The 28-year-old has given up just one run and two hits in nine and two-thirds innings (0.93 ERA) pitched.  He may be the most logical to move into Hughes’ spot if the Yankees decide to make a change.

The former Cleveland Indian made 52 starts for the Tribe prior to joining the Yankees in 2013. 

In what has become a tired old song for the team, Hughes’ next start may very well decide his fate during September.

Until then, the Yankees and their fans will be left guessing which Phil Hughes will toe the rubber, and whether it is too late to make a change.

 All statistics courtesy of MLB.com

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

The New York Yankees‘ patchwork roster has somehow managed to stay at, or near, the top of the AL East despite continued injury setbacks. 

Now, as some of the bigger name stars get close to their returns to the Bronx, it is time for the team to use its newfound abundance of talent as leverage in deals in an attempt to get younger and lower its payroll.

Here’s a look at a few possible trades the Bombers could make that would offer win-win results.

All stats via mlb.com.

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The New York Yankees have surprised everyone with their ability to sit atop the AL East division in spite of significant injuries.  As of this article, the club is tied with the Texas Rangers for the best record in the American League, and has yet to have contributions from Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez or Curtis Granderson.

Somehow they are finding a way to win.

Here is a look at the ten things we’ve learned about the “Bombers” through the first quarter of the 2013 season.

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Through the first month of the 2013 season, the New York Yankees have defined themselves as the team that overcomes setbacks.

They knew coming into the regular season that the first month would be a challenge.  With Derek Jeter, Curtis Granderson and Mark Teixeira all expected to be out until May 1, the club’s prognosis was grim. 

As the first few weeks passed, it became clearer that May 1 was not a realistic goal for the injured Yankees stars.  Another fracture was discovered in Jeter’s ankle and Teixeira’s wrist is not far enough along for him to rejoin the club.  Only Granderson has shown promise in being able to return to the lineup, and he hopes to be back in the Bronx in early May.

In spite of the setbacks, manager Joe Girardi has the team sitting third in the AL East Division and in a wild-card spot as the first month comes to a close.

The numerous injuries the Yankees have had to deal with opened up opportunities for players otherwise relegated to coming off the bench.  Some of those players have made the most of their chances while others have seen their shots at glory pass them by. 

This article takes a look at a few of the Bombers’ winners and losers from April.

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New York Yankees fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Mariano Rivera has announced he will be back for the 2013 campaign.  With that announcement, one cannot help but wonder who is going to be groomed to take over in the ninth inning once the shoo-in for Cooperstown finally hangs up his spikes.

Following Rivera’s traumatic season-ending injury in 2012, the Yankees were fortunate enough to have former Tampa Bay Ray Rafael Soriano in their arsenal, and the big right-hander stepped up his game to fill the void.

In 69 appearances, Soriano had 42 saves and a 2.26 ERA.  With him, the team maintained the stability it had grown accustomed to during the era of “the Sandman.”

Unfortunately, that success translated to the potential for “greener pastures” for Soriano and he opted to pursue free agency this offseason.

With that solid backup gone, who will the team turn to should 2013 be Mariano Rivera’s final season? 

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Last night’s 6-4 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays could not only be pinned on an ineffective start by C.C. Sabathia, but one can also look no further than the manager as to who was responsible for the key setback.

This season has been a series of high peaks (a 20-7 June record) and deep valleys (5-7 in September so far) for the “Bombers.”  In each case, manager Joe Girardi has been a responsible leader in either giving credit to those contributing wins, or accepting blame for the frustrating losses.

Yesterday’s game is a microcosm of the entire season, and coming out of it are several questions as to why Girardi chose to do (or not do) moves that led directly to failure.

Taking a look at his decisions against Tampa may reveal why Yankee fans are frustrated with their manager’s performance.

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