Houston Astros: Team should start Collin McHugh Tuesday in Anaheim

The Houston Astros have a taxed pitching rotation and recent news doesn’t help. The team should give Collin McHugh a shot and start him Tuesday. Why?

Houston Astros fans — this team is going into an emergency mode with their contingency plan of finding suitable starters to complete the back-end of the rotation. The news of Brad Peacock‘s setback with his shoulder has precipitated a fallout that has us all wondering who is going to finish this rotation out until things transition back to the top.

Like I’ve said previously, time is of essence and with the MLB trade deadline within the next two weeks, this team needs to scour the market and make some deals for another starter and a reliever — preferably a lefty — so the issues that are currently plaguing them won’t have such a drastic impact in shifting the lineup.

Peacock was supposed to start tomorrow against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim but he has reported soreness in his shoulder and will not be added back to the lineup. Instead, he is flying back to Houston to be re-examined by team doctors so hopefully, they can get him back on track soon.

It’s too early to tell if Peacock will have to make another trip to the 10-Day IL in order to sort his injury out. Let’s hope it’s not longer because the Houston Astros need him out there but his health is most important and I’m they’ll do everything they can to shore things up.

Framber Valdez will get the start Monday in place of Peacock as he only recorded 28 pitches through 0.2 innings of work against the ~~Texas~~ Arlington Rangers this past Thursday.

But the question remains on who will get the start for Tuesday as the team still has a TBA for the slot.

Who should the team start?

I think it should be none other than Collin McHugh. Although he’s struggled a bit as he’s coming back from an elbow injury that he suffered back in late May. He’s completed his rehab assignment and has been back in the lineup for a few weeks now, pitching in relief.

But is he ready to start? I know AJ Hinch, Brent Strom, as well as the team doctors, don’t want to increase his workload as they’re being careful with him but with Tuesday’s game likely featuring a bunch of the bullpen — including some possible call-ups — I can’t think of a better guy to get this team into gear with a start.

He hasn’t pitched since July 7 where he threw 24 pitches in 2.0 innings of work in relief against the Angels back at Minute Maid Park. He allowed one homer, tossed one strikeout and allowed two

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hits in his appearance.

A start will be more of redemption for McHugh and I think he can perform masterfully. If he can give this team at least four to five innings, we can have the rest of the bullpen finish that game out.

However, I’m sure the Houston Astros brass may feel differently and try to have one of our prospects start the game and bring in McHugh later in relief for some long work. That option is fine too but I think he should get the start.

Regardless, McHugh will be getting some work done Tuesday but it remains to be seen on what the extent will be.

That’s my stand, are we in good hands? We’ll see.

Next. Astros: Brad Peacock's return to the lineup has been delayed. dark

McHugh is posting a 5.37 ERA along with 56 strikeouts while allowing 32 earned runs and a 1.15 WHIP to boot. He has pitched 52.0 innings through 17 games — eight starts — this season.

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