Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Phil Hughes has been a pretty important part of the team's surprising campaign. But now as the Twins fade from the American League Playoff race, Hughes has found himself on the shelf. 

The veteran righty was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Thursday with lower back inflammation. 

With this news, Trevor May will replace Hughest in the Twins rotation. If you remember correctly, May was relegated to bullpen duties about two months ago after struggling big time in the rotation. 

It's definitely a setback for a Twins squad that has has lost 13 of its last 18 games after starting the year 52-44. Now three games out of the final wild card spot, Minnesota will have to find a way to remain above water with one of its most consistent pitchers riding the pine. 

Hughes, 29, boasts a 10-8 record with a 4.49 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP in 23 starts this year. While his strikeout numbers are down considerably from a career-best performance in 2014, Hughes has acted as a workhorse for the Twins this season.