BOSTON -- Twins right-hander Phil Hughes will not be joining the team for its series against the Red Sox this week, and instead will make his fourth rehab appearance for Triple-A Rochester on Wednesday.
Hughes, who is recovering from a right biceps injury, made his third rehab outing for Rochester on Sunday, giving up two hits, including a solo home run, in one inning.
"The outing went fine yesterday," Twins manager Paul Molitor said on Monday. "He gave up a homer and all that, but he threw 23 pitches. He's feeling good. With velocity, he was hoping to be a little higher coming out of the 'pen, but it's in that 89-92-[mph] range, which is fine."
Molitor has a pitch count in mind for Hughes' final rehab appearance, and said he will likely join the team for its series with the Royals this weekend.
"I'd like to see him get extended to 35-40 pitches, so he's going to go again for the Red Wings on Wednesday after taking a couple of days off," Molitor said. "We'll see about getting him back in the mix maybe sometime this weekend."
There's been no decision yet about whether Hughes will start on Wednesday for Rochester or come out of the bullpen. All three of his rehab appearances have come in relief.
When he rejoins the Twins, though, Molitor said Hughes will "definitely" be used out of the bullpen at first.