While the New York Yankees were dealing with their first on-field crisis of the spring, the front office acknowledged the possibility of a big potential deal.
Right-hander Phil Hughes will miss one to two weeks due to a bulging disk in his upper back.
Meanwhile, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner acknowledged that the team has talked with Scott Boras, Robinson Cano’s agent, about a lucrative long-term contract extension for the second baseman, ESPN.com reported Wednesday.
Hughes was hurt Monday while participating in pitchers’ fielding practice.
He will treat his back with anti-inflammatory medication and rest, then move on to pool work. Hughes, expected to be the Yankees’ No. 4 starter this season, said he hopes to pick up a ball within a week.
“I threw a bunch of bullpens before I got here,” Hughes said. “Thankfully it’s early enough in spring where, it’s a setback, but we still have a lot of time to get it right and not push it and make sure I’m 100 percent healthy. When I do pick up a ball in seven days, I won’t be too far behind in my throwing.”
As for Cano, the Yankees normally don’t offer contract extensions, but Steinbrenner indicated that this case might be an exception.
Cano, 30, is set to become a free agent after the 2013 season. He will make $15 million this year under a team option.
ESPN.com reported that Boras will pursue a contract similar to those of Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (10 years, $225 million) and Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols (10 years, $240 million).
Cano, a four-time All-Star, is considered one of the best second baseman in the majors. Last season, he batted .313 with 33 home runs and 94 RBI. In the past four seasons, he has averaged 28 homers and 101 RBI.
–Miami outfielder Giancarlo Stanton was hit on the back of the helmet near the top of his neck by a pitch during live batting practice in a Marlins simulated game, but he appeared to escaped serious injury.
Prospect Jose Fernandez threw a fastball in Jupiter, Fla., that knocked off Stanton’s helmet. Stanton left the field under his own power. He later was taken by a trainer from the practice field in a golf cart but was signing autographs, the Palm Beach Post reported.
Stanton hopes he won’t miss any practice time but said he’ll have a better idea Thursday. He was wearing an ice pack on his neck in the clubhouse.
–The Boston Red Sox acquired first baseman/outfielder Mike Carp from the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday for a player to be named or cash considerations.
The Red Sox placed outfielder Ryan Kalish (right shoulder surgery) on the 60-day disabled list to clear space in the 40-man roster for Carp.
Carp, 26, batted .213 with five home runs and 20 RBI in 59 games for the Mariners during an injury-plagued 2012 season that included three stints on the disabled list because of a shoulder problem.
–Kansas City manager Ned Yost returned the Royals’ spring training camp in Surprise, Ariz., one day after he underwent surgery to remove his gallbladder.
Yost, 57, became the Royals manager in May 2010. He also has managed the Milwaukee Brewers.