After a dismal month for Minnesota sports, Twins fans got a positive, though surprising, glimmer of hope late last week.

On Wednesday, pitcher Phil Hughes threw an eight-inning gem, but finished his last start of the season one out shy 210 innings and a $500,000 incentive bonus thanks to an hour rain delay.

After the game, manager Ron Gardenhire said Hughes’ season was over, prompting local and national media to jump all over the Twins for not giving Hughes, 28, a chance to get his bonus. Twins management then offered Hughes a chance to pitch an inning in relief this weekend to get his bonus.

But he turned it down. Let’s repeat that: He turned down a fairly certain chance at $500,000.

Not everyone has been kind about Hughes’ choice. The cast of ESPN’s “Sports Nation” chided Hughes for turning down the money.

However, we think Minnesota sports fans should thank Hughes, who was one of the bright spots of another dismal 90-plus loss season.

He finished 16-10 with a 3.52 era. Perhaps most impressive is that he struck out 182 batters and walk only 16, which set a Major League record for an 11.63 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Simply put: He deserved the bonus.

But Hughes was wise to say no, stating he wanted to reward the organization’s three-year contract to him by staying healthy. Don’t forget, Hughes was nagged by several injuries during his early career with the Yankees, which makes this a wise choice.

The Twins boast several promising prospects and pieces to offer hope of a turn-around in coming years. After years of an uncertain pitching, Hughes could be the anchor to build a rotation around.

After the NFL’s many high-profile controversies — which has Minnesota Viking star Adrian Peterson on the sideline facing child abuse allegations — Twins fans should celebrate a player who put the team first.

Maybe the Twins should take the high ground and give Hughes the bonus.