WHAT IT MEANS: The New York Yankees bounced back in their first game playing without the injured Mark Teixeira.

They got a stellar outing from Phil Hughes, along with just enough offense from what looked like a Triple-A lineup to beat the Toronto Blue Jays, 2-1, on Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium.

HUUUUUGHES: Hughes (13-11), who had struggled of late -- 1-3 in his previous four starts -- put together his best outing since Aug. 1. He threw seven innings of one-run ball. The 25-year-old right-hander allowed four hits -- including Adeiny Hechavarria’s first MLB homer -- walked three and struck out five.

UNTUCK: Closer Rafael Soriano, who blew Monday night’s game, rebounded with a 1-2-3 ninth inning to record his 34th save in 37 chances. He struck out two of the three batters he faced.

NUMBER TWO: No, not Derek Jeter. Nick Swisher, who has gone on a tear since being inserted into the No. 2 spot in the lineup behind Jeter, recorded his 21st RBI in 21 games with a third-inning single that plated Jayson Nix.

DEBUTANT: According to Elias, Steve Pearce became the first player to make his Yankees debut and bat cleanup since Glenallen Hill on July 24, 2000. Pearce, 29, who has good splits against southpaws (.275/.345/.835), which was why he was put there, went 0-for-2 with a walk and a run scored.

4-4-5: With runners on the corners and one out in the sixth, Robinson Cano caught a liner and threw to third to complete a crucial double-play that allowed the Yankees to stay on top.

UP NEXT: CC Sabathia (13-3, 3.44 ERA) opposes southpaw J.A. Happ (2-1, 4.15) on Thursday afternoon.