MLB

McHugh set for big-league debut with Mets

Collin McHugh can appreciate the fact he has reached the top rung of the ladder.

The 25-year-old right-hander will make his major league debut today for the Mets, completing a rise that included stops at six of the organization’s minor league affiliates.

“Besides the [Gulf Coast League], I’ve seen every stop the Mets have to offer,” McHugh said yesterday after he took Johan Santana’s spot on the 25-man roster. “It doesn’t really matter if you’re a first-rounder or 35th-rounder, they take a lot of pride in you as an organizational piece and hopefully one day you can get up here and do your thing, so that’s what I’m trying to do.”

McHugh, an 18th-round pick in the 2008 draft, was 2-4 with a 3.39 ERA in 12 starts for Triple-A Buffalo this season. He received rave reviews from Buffalo manager Wally Backman, according to Mets manager Terry Collins, which perhaps helped McHugh get to Citi Field. Right-hander Jenrry Mejia also was under consideration for today’s start.

Collins said McHugh has an above-average fastball, but relies on a “plus” curveball.

BOX SCORE

“The big thing was he knows how to pitch, so it was a very good recommendation,” Collins said before the Mets’ 5-2 loss last night at Citi Field.

McHugh has pitched 145 innings this season. Collins said a cutoff might be instituted at some point next month.

* Kirk Nieuwenhuis’ season is finished. The outfielder received a recommendation he rest his right foot, which recently sustained a plantar fascia tear.

Nieuwenhuis had reported to Port St. Lucie for rehab.

* Ruben Tejada, who went 1-for-4 last night, is hitting .309. His .352 on-base percentage as a shortstop was second only to Texas’ Elvis Andrus (.363).

* Up to three children 12 and under will get free admission with the purchase of a regularly priced ticket to today’s 1:10 p.m. series finale against the Rockies.