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Houston Astros: Collin McHugh shouldn’t re-join the rotation

By Kyle Cardoza

HIROSHIMA, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 13: Pitcher Collin McHugh #31 of the Huston Astros throws in the top of 7th inning during the game four between Japan and MLB All Stars at Mazda Zoom Zoom Stadium Hiroshima on November 13, 2018 in Hiroshima, Japan. (Photo by Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images)
HIROSHIMA, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 13: Pitcher Collin McHugh #31 of the Huston Astros throws in the top of 7th inning during the game four between Japan and MLB All Stars at Mazda Zoom Zoom Stadium Hiroshima on November 13, 2018 in Hiroshima, Japan. (Photo by Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images) /
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With the multiple openings left in the starting rotation, the Houston Astros might consider transitioning Collin McHugh back into a starter. But after his success last season, it would be relatively unwise to do.

The Houston Astros are famous for turning mediocre pitchers into reliable – and stellar – options. But while Gerrit Cole and Charlie Morton are the more memorable examples, it’s not limited to the rotation.

Pitching coach Brent Strom proved that last year with Collin McHugh, who transitioned into the bullpen. And the right-hander thrived, essentially saving his spot on the Houston roster.

Now he might be needed again in the rotation. Although, that isn’t likely the best move to make.

The Astros are in a peculiar pitching position. Dallas Keuchel is a free agent, and Morton might leave too. Also, Lance McCullers Jr. will be sidelined for all of 2019, leaving at least one spot open. But the team may have as many as three openings by next year.

With a less than promising class of free agents, Houston has decisions to make. And it would be easy to slide McHugh back into the rotation as if 2018 never occurred.

However, McHugh went from an average back-end starter to a shutdown, versatile reliever in a span of one season. Only six pitchers in the entire MLB with more than 60 innings pitched boasted better WHIPs than McHugh. The 31-year-old also ranked in the top 10 in ERA and top 20 in strikeouts per nine innings.

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The Astros pitcher never owned an ERA below 2.50 or a strikeout-per-nine-innings ratio better than 9.1 prior to 2018. It was a bizarre breakout year to say the least. But it happened.

Maybe it was necessary for McHugh to regain confidence previously lost due to a lack of usage. Nevertheless, he became the team’s most efficient reliever, and he can surely retain that role in the future.

Houston has several other options available to place in the back end of the rotation, anyways. Prospects like Josh James and Forrest Whitley are two appealing options. Manager A.J. Hinch could also utilize Chris Devenski or Brad Peacock.

While the free agent market is scant compared to what it will look like next season, there are still serviceable veterans with playoff experience. General manager Jeff Luhnow is also willing to make trades, as Astros fans saw last season with the Cole deal.

Whichever decision the front office and Hinch makes, the team will still be a contender. The Astros possessed one of the best rotations in the league this past season.

dark. Next. Dallas Keuchel is a free agent

With or without McHugh in the starting five, Strom will make do with who he has in his arsenal. Nonetheless, that could – and should – mean another year of dominance from Houston Astros pitchers.

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