Collin McHugh, a right-handed pitcher, began his Major League Baseball career with the New York Mets. Drafted in the 18th round of the 2008 MLB Draft, McHugh worked his way through the minor leagues, making his MLB debut on August 23, 2012. His initial stint with the Mets was marked by a promising debut performance, where he pitched seven scoreless innings against the Colorado Rockies. However, his time with the Mets was short-lived, as he struggled to find consistency in subsequent outings.
In 2013, McHugh was traded to the Colorado Rockies, but his tenure there was brief and challenging. He appeared in only a handful of games and was eventually designated for assignment. The following year, McHugh's career took a positive turn when he was claimed off waivers by the Houston Astros. This move proved to be a turning point, as he found a more stable footing with the Astros.
During his time with Houston, McHugh developed into a reliable starting pitcher. In 2014, he posted a 2.73 ERA over 25 starts, earning him recognition as one of the American League's top rookie pitchers. His performance helped solidify his place in the Astros' rotation, and he continued to be a key part of their pitching staff in the following seasons.
The 2015 season saw McHugh achieve a career-high 19 wins, contributing significantly to the Astros' playoff run. His ability to mix pitches effectively and maintain control on the mound made him a valuable asset to the team. McHugh's efforts were instrumental in helping the Astros reach the postseason for the first time in a decade.
In subsequent years, McHugh faced some challenges, including injuries that limited his playing time. Despite these setbacks, he remained a dependable option for the Astros, transitioning to a bullpen role when necessary. His adaptability and experience were crucial during the Astros' 2017 World Series-winning season, although he did not play in the postseason due to injury.
After leaving the Astros, McHugh signed with the Boston Red Sox in 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and a lingering elbow injury prevented him from playing that season. In 2021, he joined the Tampa Bay Rays, where he found success as a reliever. McHugh's performance with the Rays demonstrated his ability to adapt and excel in different roles on the pitching staff.
⚾