YANKEE FANS - TIME TO PANIC? NO BUT TIME FOR SOME CHANGES...

The Yankees lost their second consecutive game tonight against the Rangers. Phil Hughes started the game and only went 2.2 innings, giving up 5 hits and 4 runs. Unlike the Red Sox game on Saturday where Freddy Garcia had only a slightly worse outing, the Yankees were unable to rally back.

This bad outing by Hughes came on the heels of the news this afternoon that Michael Pineda is finished for at least this year (probably until May 2013). So, now Garcia and Hughes have struggled and Pineda is gone. So now what?

First, Phil Hughes needs to go to the bull pen. He honestly was better in relief. The Yankees and Phil need to face that fact and move him there. Don't get me wrong, I like Phil a lot and want him to do well, but sometimes we need to face what our strengthens and weaknesses are. I don't think you give up on him, just adjust his role on this team. There is nothing wrong with making him a relief pitcher. It's not a sign of failure but a sign of playing to your strength. As for Freddy Garcia - I'm sorry but he does need to go. He is not happy about the potential of losing his spot - so how well will he do if he does. I just don't think he will accept that role in the pen.

Phelps can't take Garcia's next spot because he pitched a couple of innings tonight. Unfortunately, the Yankees are going to have to deal with whatever Garcia gives them in his next rotation spot (probably Sunday against the Tigers). Hopefully, Kuroda has figured some things out after his well pitched game yesterday and can win the games CC and Nova pitch.

That said, the Yankees need to consider calling up DJ Mitchell who is pitching pretty well in Triple A. Make the Mitchell and David Phelps starters (replacing Hughes and Garcia). Yes, it will mean shifting people around - but it can be done. Lastly, we hopefully will also have Andy Pettitte back by mid May (fingers crossed).

Although it is early in the season and the Yankees are not in any real trouble right now - that can change quickly with a losing streak. The Yankees have to figure this out soon and going to your young pitchers may just be the answer. The Yankees have the talent to pull this together.

Pitching aside, the Yankees also need to start getting hits in key situation. The teams are leaving too many runners in scoring position.

It's not time to hit the panic button - but it really is time for changes to me made.