Boston Red Sox

Morning sports update: Collin McHugh discussed his decision to opt out of the 2020 MLB season

"The Red Sox are truly a first-class organization, and I can’t overstate how disappointed I am that I won’t be able to help them win games this season."

Collin McHugh with the Astros in 2019. AP Photo/Jim Mone

By Hayden Bird

3 minutes to read

The Red Sox will get their 2020 season underway tomorrow against the Orioles with no fans at Fenway Park. First pitch is set for 7:30 p.m. as Nathan Eovaldi faces Baltimore starter Tommy Milone.

Collin McHugh on his decision to not play: Collin McHugh expected that he might spend some time on the injured list when he signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox in March. The 33-year-old starting pitcher was rehabbing from a flexor strain, but was hopeful for a 2020 return.

Yet despite the season being delayed by months due to the coronavirus pandemic, McHugh has still not recovered in time to contribute to this season’s Red Sox roster. In a team announcement from earlier this week, it was revealed that McHugh was opting out of the 60-game season.

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On Wednesday, McHugh explained his circumstances and thought process in a Twitter thread.

“It’s been a difficult choice for me and my family, and not at all what we had intended for this year,” said McHugh.

“My arm health has been a battle since late last season, and unfortunately my effort this year hasn’t yielded improvement fast enough,” he continued. “Meanwhile, I respect the severity of the pandemic we are all experiencing. My family and I knew the conditions and risks involved in playing this season, and in spite of the obstacles, decided to make it happen.”

McHugh noted that the continued uncertainty regarding his possible return made it “difficult to justify the costs of continuing against the inherent risks for myself, my family, and my team.”

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He thanked the Red Sox for the organization’s “unwavering commitment to player health and their leadership In advocating for social justice.”

Trivia: Who is the most recent Patriots draft pick from Ohio State?

(Answer at the bottom).

Hint: He left the team in free agency following the 2019 season.

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Outfielder Luis Robert technically caught the ball, but forgot to hold onto his glove

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Bol Bol with a particularly strong sequence in a scrimmage on Wednesday:

On this day: In 2002, Nomar Garciaparra and the Red Sox pummeled the then-Tampa Bay Devil Rays, 22-4. The game was notable for several reasons, though Garciaparra — celebrating his 29th birthday — stole the show.

Trailing 4-0 heading into the bottom of the third, Johnny Damon’s lead-off home run was a harbinger of things to come. Garciaparra smashed a two-run home run two batters later, and Manny Ramirez quickly followed suit to go back-to-back.

Still not finished with Boston’s eruption of offense, Garciaparra came up for a second at-bat in the inning and drove another hanging fastball over the Green Monster.

Unbelievably, Garciaparra would add a third home run an inning later in what remains one of the best birthday performances in team history.

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Daily highlight: On Wednesday, with Liverpool leading 4-1 in the second half, Chelsea subbed on American Christian Pulisic. The 21-year-old had an instant impact, producing an electrifying run that resulted in an assist:

Minutes later, he took down a cross and settled the ball before turning and firing it into the net:

Though Chelsea still lost 5-3, it was another enjoyable glimpse at Pulisic’s potential. Even Jurgen Klopp was impressed.

Trivia answer: Nate Ebner

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