McHugh is scheduled to throw his first bullpen session of the spring Monday, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports. The 29-year-old right-hander has been delayed this spring after he reported to camp in mid-February with a dead arm.
After Monday's session, McHugh said he'll be better able to gauge how many more bullpens he'll need before he throws a live batting-practice session. Under that schedule, it's sounding like McHugh's preparation will bump up with the first week of the regular season, but he and the Astros are optimistic he'll be ready for the rotation's first turn in April.