FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Before his Spring Training debut in the Twins' 8-7 loss to the Red Sox on Saturday at JetBlue Park, right-hander Phil Hughes hadn't faced hitters in a game situation since a line drive fractured his left femur just above his knee on June 9.
Prior to the injury, Hughes also experienced pain in his throwing shoulder, which had caused fatigue in the arm and a drop in velocity. He ultimately underwent surgery to alleviate thoracic outlet syndrome in July, getting a rib taken out to remove pressure on the nerves in his throwing shoulder.