I've been quick to dismiss Collin McHugh during this latest stint in the big leagues even though the results have been dramatically different from previous stints.

I get why they're different. He's a completely different pitcher now, emphasizing his fastball and slider with more of a swing-and-miss mentality than he had as a sinkerballer. Still, with so little to show for himself in either the majors or minors, I figured this new version of McHugh was simply taking the league by surprise and that the word would be out soon enough.

Seven starts in, the word still isn't out. In fact, he had one of his best starts yet Tuesday, recording nine strikeouts in seven shutout innings against a Royals team that doesn't normally strike out much.

I remain skeptical given his lack of track record, poor pedigree and fact that his worst start came against the only team he's faced more than once (Seattle), but there's a difference between being skeptical and being obstinant.

My newest ranking for McHugh -- 85th among starting pitchers in Head-to-Head points leagues -- gives credit where credit is due.