The Yankees fired first-year strength and conditioning coach Marty Miller on Wednesday, on the heels of yet another hamstring injury to one of their players.
Right-hander Philip Hughes was throwing a no-hitting against the Rangers on Tuesday when he went down with a hamstring injury that will sideline him four to six weeks. In addition to Hughes, pitchers Chien-Ming Wang and Mike Mussina and outfielder Hideki Matsui also have missed time this season due to an assortment of muscle pulls and strains. Johnny Damon has been slowed by a back problems.
Cashman, who hired Miller last offseason to replace Jeff Mangold, made the determination on Wednesday morning. Cashman called George Steinbrenner, who signed off on the decision.
Though the rash of similar injuries possibly could be explained by bad luck, Cashman determined that cause and effect could not be ruled out. Sources say Miller's methods were not popular with the Yankees, and the players were in near-revolt over the situation. Miller's approach included a de-emphasis of running as a way to build leg strength.