Collin McHugh wants to return to the Rays bullpen

BALTIMORE The Rays on Saturday welcomed the first, which they hope to be several experienced relievers in their stretch carts, by activating Collin McHugh from the list of injured.

McHugh had been away since July 22, what the team called arm fatigue, the second season on the injured list this season for a 34-year-old who sat out last season as he was recovering from a bending strain.

McHugh has been one of Rays ’most consistent relievers, especially since returning from his first injured list on May 4 due to lower back strain, with one well-earned run in 19 appearances (including four as an opener) and 18 hits, 54.

He has also been at the disposal of their most valuable extended sessions.

Director Kevin Cash said his return is a big addition.

Cash said before Saturday night’s game against Orioles. She feels good. Were excited to get him back.

McHugh, who received the cortisone drug, said he was eager to return.

No one ever wants to waste time during the year and especially when they are feeling well and throwing the ball well, he said. So ever since I had to go to IL, I’ve put pressure on them to make sure we get back as quickly as possible. As soon as my hand felt normal, I was ready to leave. And I’m excited and ready to come back with the boys.

Louis Head, who again had a consecutive win on Fridays 10-6, was sent down, finishing his seventh installment during the big batches in the up and down lower season. In 14 matches on April 25 after his debut, Head is 1-0, 1.35 and 18 strokes in 20 sets.

Those conversations aren’t fun, you know that, Cash said. So I appreciate Louis. We had countless injuries, and it looks like anyone we call has really helped us. Louis is at the top of the list. So just gave him a message: Stay positive, go back there, take your work in. There really was no message to go to work for this or that. He has proven to be a big league pitcher and can help us.

In addition to McHugh, Rays hopes in the coming weeks to get back Nick Anderson, who has been away since the spring with an elbow injury, and Pete Fairbanks, JP Feyereisen and Ryan Thompson, who have shoulder problems and are making progress to return.

Also on Saturday, Cash said there were no updates on the status of field player Randy Arozarena, who was added to the list of COVID-19 accidents on Friday due to close contact with the team. The return of Arozarena continues somewhat every day.

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