Cubs Recall Rookie Fireballer

After a record-setting debut earlier in the month, Chicago Cubs fireballing reliever Brandon Hughes is back in The Show, just two days after being sent down.

All Hughes did upon his original callup on May 17, is become the first Cub to strike out the first four men he faced in the big leagues. And there's more:

Brandon Hughes of the @Cubs is the first pitcher in the modern era to get 5+ outs in his MLB debut with all of them coming via strikeout.

— Stats By STATS (@StatsBySTATS) May 18, 2022

In his 9 innings pitched thus far with the North Siders, he's struck out 11 while walking only a single batter, while posting an ERA of 3.00. And his numbers in the minors are even more ridiculous. In 16.2 innings combined at AA and AAA, Hughes hasn't allowed a single run—yes, an ERA of 0.00, while sporting an equally absurd 22:3 K-BB ratio.

Hughes came to the organization as an outfielder just a few years ago. Once the Cubs convinced him—forced him—to take his arm to the mound full-time in 2019, the 26-year-old has been on the fast track to the majors. 

That ride now continues.