Hughes to start season on DL

New York manager Joe Girardi announced the decision Wednesday after watching Hughes pitch in his second minor league exhibition game since returning from a bulging disk in his upper back.

Hughes is expected to miss his first turn through the rotation, which means that fifth-starter candidates Ivan Nova and David Phelps are both likely to start the season in the rotation.

Hughes is scheduled to pitch in a minor league game Monday.

New York general manager Brian Cashman said he doesn't expect Jeter, who continues to get treatment for left ankle soreness, will play in a minor league game through this weekend.

Cashman said there is no timetable for Jeter's return.

Yankees 11, Orioles 8

David Phelps pitched into the sixth inning, striking out nine, Bobby Wilson had three RBIs and New York beat Baltimore on Wednesday night.

Phelps allowed three runs on four hits in 5 1-3 innings. Phelps walked two.

Wilson had a two-run double in the second and a sacrifice fly in the sixth.

Jair Jurrjens started for the Orioles, but left in the second with a bruised right rib when he was a hit by a line drive by Thomas Neal.

Taylor Teagarden had a three-run home run and Nate McLouth a two-run shot for Baltimore.

Marlins 4, Red Sox 1

Jon Lester prepared for his opening day start by pitching four scoreless innings for Boston in a 4-1 loss to Miami.

Red Sox manager John Farrell announced before the game that Lester would start Monday at Yankee Stadium against New York. The left-hander then gave up just two hits, striking out four without a walk.

Kevin Slowey, the Marlins' fifth starter, allowed one run and five hits in five innings. Jonny Gomes homered off him in the second.

Red Sox reliever Daniel Bard allowed three runs in the seventh.

Mets 6, Astros 2

Jonathon Niese got ready for his opening day assignment by throwing 4 1-3 scoreless innings, leading New York over Houston.

Niese gave up two hits, struck out seven and walked two. His next outing will be Monday at home against San Diego.

Marlon Byrd homered, doubled and drove in three runs.

Mets infielder Justin Turner, who recently came back from an ankle injury, left after the third because of a strained calf. He said it cramped up in the top of the second and again after grounding out in the bottom half. He played a full inning on it before exiting.