Bombers bits

• Right-hander Phil Hughes said on Friday he is "way better" and noticed a "significant" difference in the way his back feels compared with earlier in the week, when he was sidelined with a bulging disk in his upper back. Hughes expects to finish his anti-inflammatory medication over the next two days and perhaps begin working out in a pool as early as Sunday.

"I think you've got to see him get on the mound to feel that you're through it and that it's not going to be an issue that pops up all the time," manager Joe Girardi said. "I think we have to see him get on the mound, but that's a good sign."

• CC Sabathia threw another bullpen session and Andy Pettitte pitched batting practice on Friday morning, and Girardi reported that both outings -- as well as right-hander David Robertson's BP session -- went well.

• Having previously announced that right-handers David Phelps and Adam Warren will start the Yankees' first two Grapefruit League games, Girardi said on Friday that lefty Vidal Nuno and right-hander Jose Ramirez will start the next two.