Mets Demote Collin McHugh, Activate Jeremy Hefner From Paternity Leave

Collin McHugh made his big league debut on Thursday against the Rockies, tossing seven scoreless innings and allowing just two hits and a walk while striking out nine. His game score of 81 was the second-highest mark for a Mets pitcher in his first MLB start, trailing only Dick Rusteck's game score of 82 in his 6/10/1966 debut against the Reds. For his trouble, McHugh has been sent back to Triple-A Buffalo where he will probably start on Tuesday on normal rest.

McHugh's stay with the Mets wasn't expected to last more than one start, as his roster spot needs to be cleared for Jeremy Hefner, who was on paternity leave, to rejoin the team. McHugh will have to spend at least ten days in the minors before being called back up to the majors, but with rosters expanding on September 1 and the Bisons' season ending on September 3, we'll see him back with the Mets before too long. Manager Terry Collins has already said that McHugh should get at least a couple of starts with the big club in the season's last few weeks.