Despite having missed 2020 due to an elbow injury, Collin McHugh, signed to a one-year deal for 2021, has emerged as a bullpen ace.
That wasn’t an obvious outcome from the start. First, it was unclear what role McHugh, who has been a starter and a reliever, would play. Then there was a rough spring training and an underwhelming early season appearance against the Marlins, when they crushed the ball off McHugh. He started the season with an ERA above 9, went to the IL with a shoulder injury, and rejoined the team a completely new pitcher.
Finding the perfect role
Since McHugh arrived in Tampa it was unclear how the Rays were going to utilize him.