Jared Hughes Must Go

Aug 19, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Jared Hughes (48) pitches against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 19, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Jared Hughes (48) pitches against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jared Hughes has been terrible for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2016. As a result, the time has come that Jared Hughes must go.

Prior to the 2016 season Jared Hughes had been a very reliable relief pitcher for the Pirates. However, his 2016 has been atrocious. Due to the fact Hughes has options remaining, it is time that he goes.

Another big factor here is the success of A.J. Schugel. In 49 innings pitched for the Pirates this season Schugel is averaging 7.90 K/9, 2.39 BB/9, 0.73 HR/9, and he owns a 3.31 FIP. Due to his great work Schugel is the front runner for Pirates’ rookie of the year.

Even though Schugel should not be at Triple-A, he has pitched well for Indianapolis this year. In 18 innings pitched for Indianapolis this season Schugel owns a 1.81 FIP. This goes along with Schugel averaging 9.00 K/9, 1.50 BB/9, and having allowed zero home runs at Triple-A this season.

Honestly, there is zero reason for Jared Hughes to be on the Major League roster over A.J. Schugel. The Pirates being in a pennant race just adds to this. The time for Jared Hughes to be optioned to Triple-A for A.J. Schugel is well overdue.

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In the Pirates’ 5-3 victory over the Brewers on Friday night Jared Hughes faced four batters. These four batters had their way with Hughes. Hughes allowed a three-run home run, a four pitch walk, a ground out, and a single to the four batters he faced.

After Friday night’s outing Jared Hughes’ overall numbers for the 2016 season are terrible. In 42 innings pitched Hughes is averaging just 4.93 K/9, which is a career low, to go along with averaging 3.43 BB/9 and 1.07 HR/9. Furthermore, Hughes is averaging a career low 52.8 percent ground ball rate.

So far in 2016 Hughes has a career worst FIP (5.03) and xFIP (5.20). Hid -0.3 WAR is also a career worst. Needles to say that Jared Hughes is having the worst season of his Major League career, and the Pirates would be better off without him.

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While Jared Hughes was very good from 2012 through 2015, he has been terrible in 2016. In fact, he has been the Pirates’ worst reliever. As a result, the time for Hughes to be optioned to Triple-A for A.J. Schugel is long overdue.