Globe iconLogin iconRecap iconSearch iconTickets icon

McHugh named AL Rookie of the Month

HOUSTON -- Astros pitcher Collin McHugh has been named American League Rookie of the Month for September.

McHugh is just the fifth Astros player ever to win a Rookie of the Month Award, and the second this season, joining outfielder George Springer (May 2014), outfielder Hunter Pence (May 2007), right-hander Kirk Saarloos (July 2002) and right-hander Roy Oswalt (August 2001). Pence, Saarloos and Oswalt all won NL Rookie of the Month awards.

McHugh went 4-0 in four September starts with a 1.59 ERA, 25 strikeouts and one walk. He led all Major League rookies in ERA, opponents' average (.150), WHIP (0.56) and strikeout-to-walk ratio (25), while ranking tied for first in wins.

McHugh's ERA in September marked the third-lowest in Astros history for a rookie during the month, behind Mark Lemongello (1.29 ERA in 1977) and Ken Forsch (1.24 ERA in 1971). His strikeout-to-walk ratio of 25 was the highest produced by any Astros pitcher during a single month in club history (minimum 28 innings).

This season, McHugh made led all Major League rookies with a 2.73 ERA while ranking second among MLB rookies in wins above replacement (4.2), behind only Jose Abreu (5.5). McHugh's ERA was the second-lowest recorded by an Astros rookie in club history (Forsch, 2.53 ERA in 1971).

McHugh also led all Major League rookies in opponents' batting average (.208), while ranking second among AL rookies in strikeouts-per-nine innings (9.14), third in strikeouts (157) and tied for fourth in wins (11). He closed out the year on a seven-game winning streak, becoming the first Houston pitcher to do so in a single season since Andy Pettitte in 2005.

Read More: Houston Astros, Collin McHugh