Bombers bits

• Right-handers Phil Hughes, David Robertson and David Aardsma got back on the bullpen mound Saturday morning and all came out feeling well, a rare occasion amid New York's injury-riddled spring.

"All good news," Girardi said. "Maybe the worm has turned."

• Most notable among that group was Hughes, who's been sidelined by a bulging disk in his upper back. Hughes went through his normal throwing program, then added 10 pitches off the mound -- his first time on the hill since he sustained the injury during fielding drills on Feb. 18. Hughes will likely throw a full side session of 25-30 pitches Monday.

"Everything's good," Hughes said.

• Robertson threw 28 pitches in the bullpen and said he's "fine." Robertson had been dealing with some right shoulder discomfort after sleeping on it wrong, he said, but he was cleared Thursday to pitch. His last Grapefruit League appearance was March 1.

• Girardi has been impressed with the spring performance of right-hander Jose Ramirez, who allowed one hit and struck out four over four shutout innings Saturday. Ramirez, who spent last season with Class A Advanced Tampa, hasn't allowed a run in nine Grapefruit League innings spread over three appearances. He's given up only four hits and one walk while striking out five.

"He's been great. The kid has thrown the ball really well," Girardi said. "He's throwing strikes. He's got an outstanding changeup. His slider's a work in progress. He spots his fastball with velocity. He's had an outstanding spring."

• After Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Braves, right-handers Tom Kahnle and Kelvin Perez were optioned to Minor League camp.