McHugh (arm) is scheduled to throw a simulated game Saturday in Florida, MLB.com's Brian McTaggart reports.
The Astros have already indicated that McHugh will open the season on the 10-day DL after he was slowed by a case of dead arm in spring training, and the right-hander is still in the process of building up his pitch count. After being tagged for three runs and five hits over 1.2 innings Monday against the Cardinals, McHugh looks like he still has some issues to resolve, so he'll toss approximately 75 pitches Saturday before the Astros reassess his condition. If the simulated game goes well, McHugh is expected to head to a minor-league affiliate for one start next week before being activated. Mike Fiers looks most at risk of losing his rotation spot once McHugh is deemed ready to go.