Yanks continue to conduct tests on Hughes

Still in limbo.

Phil Hughes had MRIs on his right shoulder and right elbow as well as numerous other tests, including some for potential circulatory problems, Tuesday at New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

Hughes will have more tests Wednesday and is hopeful he has an answer Wednesday night to the question that has perplexed him and the Yankees since spring training: Why does his right arm feel dead?

"I'm just anxious to find out what's going on," said Hughes, who was checked out from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. "As much information we can gather, the better."

The Yankees resisted giving Hughes an MRI for several weeks, mainly because the pitcher hasn't felt pain. He also had what he described as a "long" conversation with a vascular doctor, a specialist in blood vessels.

"They want to make sure they cover all the bases," Joe Girardi said. "They're going to try and rule out everything they possibly can."

Hughes, who has been on the disabled list since April 15, has faced an almost daily barrage of questions since the season started. "I wish I was talking about other stuff, like the great start we've gotten off to," he said. "It is what it is."

Posada sits

Eric Chavez started at third and Alex Rodriguez at DH, so Jorge Posada had the night off. Girardi said Posada's .145 average and 19 strikeouts weren't the reason. "I talked about giving Alex one of these next two days, yesterday or today, at DH," he said.

Extra bases

A foul ball hit top prospect Jesus Montero in the groin Sunday. A precautionary MRI was negative . . . Girardi said the team wants to see Francisco Cervelli catch consecutive games before deciding on a next step. His rehab start Monday was rained out.