Astros release former Phillies pitcher Jared Hughes

The heart and soul of the Phillies 2019 second-half bullpen is looking for a new job.

The Houston Astros announced Thursday that they have released pitcher Jared Hughes. Hughes requested his release, as his minor-league contract gave him an option to opt-out in the event the Astros did not to place him on their 40-man roster.

Hughes did not have a stellar spring. In five and two-thirds innings, the 34-year-old gave up four earned runs on five hits with four strikeouts and three walks.

The Phillies claimed Jared Hughes off waivers from Cincinnati last August. He was asked to carry a hefty workload as the Phillies bullpen was decimated by injuries. In 23 innings of work with the Phillies, Hughes gave up 10 earned runs, including seven home runs.

2019 was a down year for Hughes, but his career numbers are pretty impressive for someone who has been on four teams in three years. In nine seasons in the majors, Hughes carries a 2.88 ERA and 140 ERA+. He’s sure to land another job in the big leagues in 2020.

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