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Houston Astros: Collin McHugh’s getting closer to a return

By Brian K. Patterson

Jul 17, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Collin McHugh (31) before a game against the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 17, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Collin McHugh (31) before a game against the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Houston Astros have been to hell and back with the health of their pitching staff and know we finally have confirmation that another pitcher is restoring his health.

Yes, the Houston Astros — notably A.J. Hinch — have done some incredible work in ensuring that they’ve properly staffed their pitching needs with each set they’ve faced throughout the season.  No matter what the obstacle is, this team finds a way to win and luckily the staff hasn’t cost the team too many games.

The Houston Astros are using their bullpen heavily as the starters return to health and it has become the preferred option to prevent themselves to force to make a trade for a starting pitcher.  It has worked so far and we’ll likely make through to the All-Star break with the current rotation that we have of Lance McCullers Jr., Mike Fiers, Brad Peacock, Francis Martes and David Paulino.  Joe Musgrove was sent down after giving up a career-high nine earned runs against the Seattle Mariners this past Friday.

But Dallas Keuchel and Charlie Morton are on the mend and they’ll likely be back after the All-Star break which is just a couple of weeks away.  There’s no need to rush these guys as team held things down steadily since our arms started dropping like flies.

But here’s a new development in regard to our one of our members of the pitching staff that hasn’t seen action all year.  Collin McHugh is getting closer to pitching in an actual game and that time may come soon than I thought.

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Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reported earlier this week that Hinch said McHugh threw a simulated game in Florida, throwing well and putting out all of his pitches in his repertoire.  Things have gone so well that he will do a rehab start this Friday with Double-A Corpus Christi against Northwest Arkansas.  The right arm that was left for dead is now starting to show signs of life again and it may be ready for heavy-lifting.

McTaggart mentions that they’ll continue to monitor his pitch count and start him out easily with a gradual increase in workload.  This is terrific news to hear but what will see when things count?  It remains to be seen but I’m encouraged with this news.  We may not see the same guy that won 19 games — with superior run support — in 2015 but somebody that has the experience to deceive the batter.  It wouldn’t hurt for him to pile up the K’s as well.

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He’s expected to be out at least until after the All-Star break and then there will be a evaluation in regard to his readiness.  Hopefully, that turns out good as we need the arms in the rotation.  We’ll have to see but things are starting to look up.

Go Astros.

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