Red Sox Sign Former Astros Swingman Collin McHugh to One-Year Deal
By Adam Weinrib
Even though Chris Sale reportedly won't undergo Tommy John surgery before the season begins, that doesn't solve any of Boston's myriad pitching problems.
Perhaps this bandage will at least stem the negative tide.
Following an injury-plagued 2019 season, the Red Sox are bringing in Collin McHugh to potentially start, potentially relieve, and likely do anything in between.
The #RedSox today signed RHP Collin McHugh to a one-year contract for the 2020 season.
— Red Sox (@RedSox) March 5, 2020
To make room for McHugh on the 40-man roster, the club designated RHP Hector Velázquez for assignment.
The corresponding move involves the inevitable DFA of Hector Velazquez, who's previously served the same role rather ineffectively in Beantown for the last few years, and was likely poised to soak up quite a few innings again this time around.
McHugh's 2019 was subpar -- in 35 appearances, and just eight starts, he posted a 4.70 ERA, though he whiffed 82 in 74.2 innings pitched. The year prior, though, he used his snapdragon curveball to whiff 94 in 72.1 innings pitched, allowing only 45 hits and maintaining a 1.99 ERA.
Collin McHugh has recently been given the go-ahead to begin throwing after a tenex procedure alleviated an elbow concern. Could be a nice late-spring sign. Thanks to his versatility, nearly every team has checked in.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 28, 2020
Which McHugh will show up? The spin rate darling or the one with the barking shoulder? Either way, very much worth a one-year flyer.