BALTIMORE -- Twins right-hander Phil Hughes, who opened the season on the 10-day disabled list due to a left oblique strain, threw four innings in a Minor League game in Florida on Friday and could return to the rotation once the club needs a fifth starter on April 11.
Hughes reached an estimated 50 pitches against Triple-A Pawtucket, and his next outing is tentatively scheduled for the home opener for Class A Advanced Fort Myers on Thursday. If all goes to plan, Hughes could rejoin Minnesota as the fifth member of the rotation after his next Minor League outing.