Kyle Kendrick kept himself in the race for the final spot in Philadelphia’s rotation.

The 24-year-old right-hander pitched his best game of spring training Saturday in the Phillies’ 2-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins. Kendrick allowed two runs and five hits in five innings.

He called his latest outing “a step forward.” Kendrick is competing with veteran Chan Ho Park, rookie J.A. Happ and top prospect Carlos Carrasco for the role of fifth starter.

“It was a good, solid outing — which I needed,” said Kendrick, who struggled earlier this spring. “Not to bring up last year, but this is how it was last spring. I struggled getting everything situated and then I went from there. … I just want to build on it and keep going.”

The Phillies also received encouraging news about their ace. Left-hander Cole Hamels threw off a mound for the first time since leaving camp Tuesday with elbow tightness.

Hamels, who had an anti-inflammatory shot Tuesday, said he didn’t feel any pain following a bullpen session that simulated a two-inning stint.

“The only soreness I have is from the injection, and that actually has been fading day by day,” Hamels said. “Other than that, all the spots that were kind of causing me soreness didn’t cause me any discomfort at all, so I think that’s a good thing.”

Hamels will pitch in a minor league game Tuesday. His status for the regular-season opener April 5 against Atlanta is uncertain.

Hughes optioned to Triple-A
TAMPA - Right-hander Phil Hughes was one of four players optioned to the minors by the New York Yankees on Saturday.

Hughes, and pitchers Steven Jackson and Anthony Claggett were optioned to Triple-A Scranton-Wikes/Barre. Reliever Humberto Sanchez was optioned to Double-A Trenton, while right-handers Jason Johnson and Sergio Mitre were reassigned to the minor league camp.

Hughes, who started the 2008 season in the Yankees rotation, had little chance to start this season after New York signed free agents CC Sabathia and A.J Burnett during the offseason. He did put himself in position to be called up in case of an injury by posting a 2.19 ERA in four spring training appearances.

“Hughes had a great camp,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. “He’s in a good frame of mind. He knows he did great.”

Maholm pitches 6 shutout innings for Pirates
SARASOTA - With another sharp outing, Paul Maholm extended his scoreless streak to 15 2-3 innings and strengthened his bid to become the Pittsburgh Pirates’ opening-day starter.

“I think everybody knows it will be Paul,” Pittsburgh manager John Russell said after Saturday’s 6-5 victory over Cincinnati, which sent the Reds to their seventh straight loss. “We haven’t announced anything officially, but we’re leaning that way.”

Maholm allowed three hits in six innings, struck out four and walked none. He has given up one run in 19 2-3 innings this spring training.

“I’m waiting for that bad outing,” Maholm said. “I know it’s going to come. I want to get it out of the way. I just need to continue to prepare and sharpen up a few things. Then in April, if I have to make an adjustment, it will be a small one.”

Youkilis could return to play Monday
Kevin Youkilis could rejoin the Red Sox lineup on Monday after giving his sprained left ankle more time to lead.

The first baseman returned to the Red Sox on Wednesday from the World Baseball Classic with a mild sprain and mild Achilles tendinitis in his left foot. He had been wearing a hard plastic boot, then was examined Saturday by team physician Dr. Peter Asnis and took batting practice while wearing running shoes.

AP Wires were used in this report.