Astros hope to build up on win against Felix Hernandez with Collin McHugh on the mound.
HP Collin McHugh (0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.00 WHIP) vs. RHP Erasmo Ramirez (1-2, 7.50 ERA, 1.78 WHIP)
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As we previously reported, Scott Feldmanwill not make his scheduled start. In his place will be Collin McHugh.
Collin McHugh was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City to replace Feldman in the rotation. Houston selected McHugh off waivers on December 18, 2013 from Colorado. He has pitched 14 innings in Triple-A Oklahoma City this season, posting a 4.50 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. Two of his four appearances have been starts, including his most recent start on April 17 against Colorado Springs - 5 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, O BB, 3 SO.
Erasmo Ramirez has had a rough start to the season, allowing 15 runs in his last 18 innings of work. That includes a home run in each of starts. His main weapon of choice is the change up. On August 29, 2013, Ramirez pitched 5.2 innings against Houston a winning effort - allowing two runs on five hits.
McHugh is making his 10th attempt to get his first career major league win as a starter. He is currently 0-7 as a starter with a 8.69 ERA in 39.1 innings in his career. McHugh has walked 11 and struck out 23 in his starts between the Mets and Rockies, he has also given up nine home runs.
This feels like the perfect storm for McHugh to get his first win, his counterpart Erasmo Ramirez has been hit all over the park. He lasted only two innings in his last start, giving up five runs on six hits at Texas. This will be the fifth start against a AL West opponent this season and only his second start at SafeCo Field. Left-hander are batting .340/.574/.982 including three home runs against the 5' 11' righty.
Collin McHugh's first career major league win will be icing on the cake if the Astros win their second game tonight.