Astros: McHugh’s “Dead Arm” Cause for Concern?

How much concern should the Astros have about Collin McHugh this early in Spring Training?

As someone who has pitched, I understand the feeling which McHugh is talking about. The same feeling you have throughout a season does not always linger throughout the off-season. I can recall the first few weeks being “sluggish” as I ask my body to re-align itself with season form.

Each and every athlete has a competitive nature. It is a necessity to truly succeed in sports. As we have seen in his time as an Astro, he truly does compete. He, like all other of his teammates, do not wish to miss a moment of this season. I have no doubt he will find himself game-ready by April.

As we all know by now, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reported that Collin McHugh was suffering from “dead arm”. This had led to his lack of progression in the throwing program for pitchers.

The question is should we be concerned for McHugh going forward?

In short, the front office should be watching closely.

After losing the arbitration hearing, requiring them to pay him $3.85 million for 2017, the signs of dead arm should bring attention from the organization. Although this may seem minor, that one of your top pitchers is not progressing along with the rest of the pitching staff should raise eyebrows.

How does this reflect upon the right-hander going forward?

Truthfully, if he bounces back and finds himself progressing, this story will be a non-factor. However, the appearance of “dead arm” can show upon his approach to the off-season. As the Astros made moves to build a championship-caliber team, he may have not taken this as motivation of preparation. His arbitration dilemma may have also led to a less than stellar off-season. His uncertainty of his future with the Astros may have led McHugh to worry more about this rather than his off-season training.

Next: Astros Spring Notes, The Silver Lining of Game Five

The Astros simply need McHugh in 2017.

McHugh is a solid starting pitcher. He is a viable option day in and day out of the rotation. His skill set, mentality and experience is vital to a successful 2017 season. For the Astros to be successful, this team needs his contributions.

**Salary information courtesy of Baseball Reference**