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Yanks expected to activate Hughes from DL to face Tigers

Apr 6, 2013 - 1:53 PM (Sports Network) - The New York Yankees have been decimated with injuries to start this season, but will get Phil Hughes back on Saturday when the right- hander is activated from the disabled list to start against the Detroit Tigers.

Hughes started the season on the DL because of a bulging disc in his back, but instead of the 26-year-old going to the minors for a rehab start, he'll join the rotation. Last season, Hughes went 16-13 with a 4.23 ERA in 32 starts. He's 5-4 with a 4.22 ERA in 10 games (8 starts) against the Tigers.

Because of Hughes joining the staff, the Yankees are expected to move David Phelps to the bullpen.

Max Scherzer, who went 16-7 with a 3.74 ERA in 32 starts last season, counters for the Tigers. The righty is 3-1 with a 3.42 ERA in four starts versus the Yankees.

On Friday, Prince Fielder hit two home runs and had five RBI and Alex Avila added a solo shot as the Tigers downed the Yankees, 8-3, in a rematch of the 2012 American League Championship Series.

The last time New York played at Comerica Park the Tigers swept the postseason series in four games before San Francisco returned the favor and swept Detroit in the World Series.

"I was just excited to put our team ahead," Fielder said. "Anytime you get some runs for your team, it's always exciting."

Miguel Cabrera had an RBI and scored two runs and Omar Infante finished with two hits, one run scored and an RBI for Detroit, which hasn't lost a home opener since 2008. Starter Doug Fister (1-0) tossed five innings and allowed three runs on six hits while striking out two in his season debut.

Detroit dropped two of three in its season opening series versus Minnesota.

New York starter Ivan Nova (0-1) lasted 4 2/3 innings and gave up four runs on five hits while striking out five batters in defeat. The righty was left off the postseason roster last season after going 12-8 with a 5.02 ERA in 28 starts.

Kevin Youkilis hit a two-run homer and Robinson Cano had one hit and scored a run for the Yankees, who had dropped their first two games to Boston at home before left-handed veteran Andy Pettitte tossed eight solid innings in a 4-2 win Thursday.

Detroit lost six of its 10 regular season meetings to the Yankees in 2012.