Hughes sidelined with upper back discomfort

TAMPA, Fla. -- Right-hander Phil Hughes will be sidelined at Yankees camp after experiencing upper back discomfort during a defensive drill.

Manager Joe Girardi said that Hughes complained of stiffness behind his right shoulder after covering first base while the club's pitchers were taking fielding practice on Monday.

Hughes was sent to be examined by a doctor on Tuesday, and Girardi said that he expects Hughes to miss "a few days."

"There's always a little bit of concern," Girardi said. "It's [his] upper back, so we'll see how he is in a couple of days. The good thing is, he was ahead of where he'd probably normally be at this time, so it helps."

Hughes, 26, was 16-13 with a 4.23 ERA in 32 starts last season. This promises to be an important year for the hurler, who can be eligible for free agency after the 2013 campaign.