Astros' Collin McHugh: May not be ready Opening Day

McHugh is behind other Astros starters and may not get enough work in before the start of the regular season, Jake Kaplan of the Houston Chronicle reports. "We're cutting it really close," manager A.J. Hinch said. "I think we'll know more once he gets a couple more outings under his belt. But he's just behind. He doesn't have any problems anymore. It's a readiness question."

Analysis:

McHugh was delayed early in camp with what was described as a dead arm, but it was more due to his rotator cuff. At any rate, he's thrown one minor league game and is scheduled to pitch another one Wednesday, but can't afford any setbacks. The Astros may just have him begin the season on the disabled list. Until McHugh's ready to pitch, Joe Musgrove and Mike Fiers can hold down the back end of the rotation.