In a recent report, Jon Heyman was told the Mariners are sniffing around to add more pitching. This came in the same breath as reporting that Astros starter Collin McHugh is being shopped by the Astros. How does McHugh fit into Seattle’s rotation?
Well, the Mariners plan to carry just 4 starters until April 12, when they will finally need a 5th starter. Erasmo Ramirez, who entered the season as the teams 4th starter, is unlikely to be ready by then. So instead of rushing Ramirez, or pushing Rob Whalen and Ariel Miranda to early, adding McHugh gives the team a true #3 or #4 type.