Astros: Could McHugh and Peacock head back to pen in June?

Returning to the starting rotation for the Astros in 2019, both Collin McHugh and Brad Peacock have been struggling as of late. Could a call-up in June send one of them back to the pen?

McHugh had a really good start to the season for the Astros but is now currently sporting a 4.97 ERA. In 38 innings he has allowed 22 earned runs on 29 hits. Peacock, who also spent some time in the bullpen, has allowed 19 runs in 30 innings for a lofty 5.28 ERA.

Most experts have been predicting a June call up for the Astros #1 prospect, Forrest Whitley. However, in 2019, he has been struggling as well. After getting rocked for five runs in just two-thirds of an inning of work on Sunday, he now has an ERA of 10.43.

So, if it’s not Whitley that Houston calls up in June, who else could it be? There are a couple of pitchers for the Round Rock Express that are having solid seasons, Corbin Martin and Brady Rodgers.

Coming off of Tommy John surgery, Rodgers was rewarded for his hard work during his recovery, by being selected by A. J. Hinch to pitch the first game of Spring Training. Although he did not make the 25-man roster, the door remains open.

This season, Rodgers has a (3-0) record with a 2.75 ERA. He has started six games for the Express, the Astros AAA affiliate, allowing 11 runs in 36 innings with 25 Ks and 11 BBs.

The other candidate, Martin, the Astros #5 prospect, is having an amazing season. He has an impressive 1.40 ERA, allowing only 3 runs in a little over 19 innings.

In order to retain another year of team control, most teams don’t call up their top prospects until June. There may not be any moves made at all, but to be safe, McHugh and Peacock have about a month to turn things around.