| Collin McHugh | |
|---|---|
.jpg) McHugh with the Atlanta Braves in 2022 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1987-06-19)June 19, 1987 (age 37) Naperville, Illinois, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| August 23, 2012, for the New York Mets | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| September 5, 2023, for the Atlanta Braves | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 71–47 |
| Earned run average | 3.72 |
| Strikeouts | 967 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Collin Alexander McHugh (born June 19, 1987) is an American former professionalbaseballpitcher. He played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for theNew York Mets,Colorado Rockies,Houston Astros,Tampa Bay Rays andAtlanta Braves. Listed at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) and 191 pounds (87 kg), he throws and bats right-handed.
Born inNaperville, Illinois, McHugh graduated fromProvidence Christian Academy inLilburn, Georgia,[1] and attendedBerry College. In 2007, he playedcollegiate summer baseball in theCape Cod Baseball League for theChatham A's and theWareham Gatemen.[2][3][4] He was drafted by theNew York Mets in the 18th round of the2008 Major League Baseball Draft.
McHugh was called up to the major leagues on August 22, 2012, and he made his MLB debut on August 23 against theColorado Rockies atCiti Field.[5][6] He pitched seven scorelessinnings and got ninestrikeouts while surrendering twohits and awalk.[7] Despite his performance, McHugh did not get the win as the Mets lost, 1–0. McHugh made two more starts before being demoted on August 24 to make room on the roster forJeremy Hefner.[8] Overall with the2012 Mets, he appeared in eight games (four starts) compiling an 0–4 record with a 7.59 ERA. During 2013, McHugh made three appearances (one start) with the Mets; he had a 10.29 ERA and an 0–1 record.
The Mets traded McHugh to theColorado Rockies for outfielderEric Young Jr. on June 18, 2013.[9] McHugh appeared in four games (all starts) for the2013 Rockies, registering an 0–3 record with 9.95 ERA. He wasdesignated for assignment on December 16, 2013.[10]
On December 18, 2013, McHugh was claimed offwaivers by theHouston Astros.[10] In 2014, he finished with 11 wins and led the team in ERA, with a 2.73 mark.[11]
In2015, McHugh set a number of career highs, including a second-place finish in the American League (AL) in wins with 19, behind teammateDallas Keuchel's 20. Hence, McHugh and Keuchel became the first Astros teammate duo to reach at least 19 wins each sinceMike Hampton (22–4) andJosé Lima (21–10) did so in1999.[12] He was seventh in the AL in games started (32) and batters faced (859), while his 31assists ranked second at his position. He also posted203+1⁄3 innings, 3.89 ERA and 171 strikeouts.[13] The Astros made thepostseason, and McHugh started and won Game 1 of theAmerican League Division Series (ALDS) versus theKansas City Royals.[14]
In2016, McHugh reached more career-highs with 33 starts and 177 strikeouts, finishing 13–10 W–L with an ERA of 4.34 in184+2⁄3 innings.[13]
McHugh began the2017 season on the 10-daydisabled list (DL) due totendonitis in his right shoulder. On April 6, 2017, he left a game while on rehab assignment with theTriple-AFresno Grizzlies after feeling tightness in his elbow and biceps. With posterior impingement in his right elbow, McHugh was ruled out for an extended period of time.[15] He was limited to just 12 starts. He appeared in two games of the postseason, pitching a combined total of six innings, allowing a total of one hit and three runs. The Astros won the2017 World Series.[16] Three years later, theHouston Astros sign stealing scandal broke, in which it was revealed that the Astros had cheated during their championship season. McHugh said that he knew about the sign stealing scheme and expressed remorse for going along with it.[17]
McHugh made the transition to a relief role in 2018, appearing in 58 games. He finished with an ERA of 1.99 in72+1⁄3 innings, striking out 94. In 2018, he had the third-lowest swing rate for his in-strike-zonesliders of any pitcher in baseball (43.9%), behind onlyAroldis Chapman (42.5%) andRobert Stock (43.1%).[18]
McHugh began the 2019 season as a starting pitcher for the Astros, a job he secured inspring training. He was demoted to the bullpen on May 11, 2019, after eight starts. At the time of his demotion, he had registered an ERA of 6.37 in 41 innings. Overall with the2019 Astros, McHugh appeared in 35 games (8 starts) while recording 82 strikeouts in74+2⁄3 innings with a 4.70 ERA and a 4–5 record. On October 31, 2019, McHugh elected to become afree agent.[19]
On March 5, 2020, McHugh signed a one-year contract with theBoston Red Sox.[20] On July 19, the team announced that he would not play during the start-delayed 2020 season, noting that McHugh's "elbow was not responding as he had hoped" following a non-surgical procedure during the offseason.[21][22] He was added to the team's restricted list on July 23.[23] On October 28, McHugh elected free agency.[24]
On February 21, 2021, McHugh signed a one-year, $1.8 million contract with theTampa Bay Rays.[25] On July 7, McHugh combined withJosh Fleming,Diego Castillo,Matt Wisler, andPeter Fairbanks to no–hit theCleveland Indians. However, since the feat was achieved in a truncated seven–inningdoubleheader game, it was not recorded as an officialno-hitter.[26]
On March 15, 2022, McHugh signed a two-year contract worth $10 million with theAtlanta Braves.[27] The deal includes a $6 million club option for 2024 and a $1 million buyout.[28] Following the 2023 season, the Braves declined McHugh's option.[29][30]
On January 22, 2024, McHugh announced his retirement from baseball.[31]
On October 29, 2018, McHugh was selected as a member of the MLB All-Stars for the2018 MLB Japan All-Star Series.[32]
McHugh was married in 2009. In 2022, the couple separated and McHugh filed for divorce. In 2019, McHugh started a podcast called "The Twelve Six Podcast" where he interviewed other MLB players to bring out the human side of baseball.[33][34]
