McHugh allowed three runs on six hits and two walks with five strikeouts over 3.2 innings in Tuesday's Grapefruit League loss to Washington.
The 28-year-old, who has a 3.12 ERA and 7:2 K:BB ratio over 8.2 Grapefruit League innings thus far, will slot second or third in the Astros' rotation to open 2016.