Jared Hughes made his Major League debut in September of 2011. Minus a trip to Triple-A in 2013, he has been a fixture in the Pirate bullpen ever since his debut. However, it is time for that to change.
Jared Hughes is coming off the worst season of his Major League career. In 2016 he posted a career worst 3.34 BB/9, 0.91 HR/9, 4.68 FIP, 4.77 xFIP, and -0.4 WAR. Additionally, his 57.9 percent ground ball rate was the second lowest of his career.
Anytime a sinker ball pitcher sees a decline in ground balls and an increase in home runs allowed it is not a good sign.