First thing's first: I don't believe in Collin McHugh. He's a 26-year-old journeyman who, based on his minor-league track record and the way he's been passed from organization to organization, profiles as little more than a spot starter in the big leagues. I feel confident saying four out of five Fantasy owners could do better than him off the waiver wire, and at least one out of two agree with me, given his 49 percent ownership rate.
But I have to admit something's different about him this time around.
You've already read about it if you've spent any time on his player page. According to Pitch F/X data, he's ditched the sinker and become more of a power pitcher, emphasizing his fastball and slider.
Maybe the change has simply caught teams by surprise -- both of his opponents so far have suggested as much -- but the results are noteworthy, particularly the hit and strikeout rates. And the pitch selection isn't all that's changed. He's also throwing his fastball harder than before, averaging 92.2 miles per hour on it, which is about on the level of Scott Kazmir and Francisco Liriano.
McHugh will be facing the Mariners for a second time this weekend, so the surprise factor will no longer apply. Let's see how he does without it.