Travis

Hughes

Hughes, who had a strong season at Double-A Frisco (six saves and a 1.89 ERA), may be needed to bolster the Rangers bullpen if right-handers Frankie Francisco, Doug Brocail and Carlos Almanzar are suspended as a result of their actions in Monday’s bullpen melee. Hughes, who is a favorite of the scouts, is not recommended at this time.

Hughes, who is 1-0 with a 3.86 ERA this season, isn’t expected to miss a start.

Ryan Wagner gets to stick around despite an 8.64 ERA. Hughes was at 6.35 in 11 1/3 innings since being called up on July 28.

Hughes is beginning his third stint with the Washington pen. He had a 3.02 ERA in 52 appearances for the Zephyrs.

Hughes had a 5.46 ERA in 11 starts at Triple-A Oklahoma. Although he has very good stuff, he had given up 79 hits and struck out just 36 in 57 2/3 innings before being sent down.

Hughes pitched just one-third of an inning in his second stint with the Nationals.

Hughes, who made two appearances for Texas last year, struck out three of the five batters he faced. He received the victory because starter Sun Woo Kim was forced out after 4 2/3 innings by a forearm cramp.

Hughes, claimed off waivers from the Rangers in April, had a 2.57 ERA in 32 relief appearances for New Orleans. He’ll work in middle relief.

Hughes had pitched 4 1/3 innings, but he was still the choice to go open up a roster spot for Joey Eischen, who will come off the DL tomorrow.

Hughes, who served brief stints in the Washington in 2005 and 2006, hasn’t allowed an extra-base hit in 24 innings this season. The Red Sox may choose him over Manny Delcarmen next time they need a reliever.