Bullpen session goes well for McHugh

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Collin McHugh threw between 25 and 30 pitches off a mound at about 65 to 70 percent Monday morning in his first bullpen session of spring training.

McHugh, whose spring training throwing program was delayed considerably because of dead arm, said the session went well. The 29-year-old righthander said he expects to throw his next one Wednesday. He expects to require three or four bullpen sessions before he graduates to facing hitters in a live batting practice setting.

Despite his early-camp setback, the Astros and McHugh have remained optimistic their No. 3 starter will be ready for the first rotation of the season. He has about a month to build up his arm.

“Everything felt good body-wise,” he said. “It’s going to take probably a few (sessions) to get my feel of release point, get all of my pitches working. Today was mostly just fastballs, a couple changeups. But yeah, about as good as you could hope for the first time off the hill.”

Bregman to learn from USA vets

At 22 years old, Alex Bregman is the youngest member of Team USA and also its player with the least major league service time.

While participating in the World Baseball Classic beginning this week, the Astros third baseman plans to pick the brains of his temporary teammates, especially the infielders, such as San Francisco Giants shortstop and twotime Gold Glove Award winner Brandon Crawford.

“I’m looking forward to just talking to some of the infielders, figure out what they do defensively (against) some of the guys at the plate, ask them what helps them,” he said. “Really just pick their brain and figure out what I can use to improve my game.”

Bregman played his last pre-WBC spring training game on Monday against the Red Sox at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. He is 7-for-23 with two doubles in Grapefruit League play.

Bregman was set to drive Monday night to Miami, site of Team USA’s

first-round games. Team USA, whose infield is stacked with Crawford, Nolan Arenado, Daniel Murphy and Paul Goldschmidt among others, begins play Friday night against Jose Quintana and Colombia.

“I’m excited,” said Bregman, who is on the roster as a shortstop but could also factor in at second and third base. “It’s an honor to be able to represent our country.”

Odds and ends

Dallas Keuchel is expected to throw between 30 to 45 pitches in his simulated game Tuesday. Evan Gattis will catch Keuchel, and the Astros will bring over players from minor league camp to face him. The rest of the Astros’ major leaguers have a day off Tuesday. …

Chris Devenski was cruising Monday against the Red Sox before allowing consecutive singles followed by a three-run homer by Sam Travis with two outs in his third and final inning. …

Gattis (shoulder soreness) is expected to catch his first spring training game later this week, likely on Friday when the Astros play the Mets in Port St. Lucie. …

Preston Tucker (shoulder rehab) has progressed to taking batting practice on the field but is not yet close to playing in Grapefruit League games.