Gabriel Hughes Eyes Future Goals Following Return to Spokane Indians

Gabriel Hughes is back in familiar territory. After making a name for himself at Gonzaga University, he was drafted by the Colorado Rockies and spent the early part of the 2023 season with the Spokane Indians. Currently, he has returned to the team temporarily as he works his way back from an injury that has hindered his progress to the major leagues.

During his recent stint, Hughes made two appearances, showcasing his readiness to return to the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes rotation. He performed impressively against the Hillsboro Hops, striking out six batters over three innings in his latest game. The young pitcher even introduced a new pitch he learned while at big league camp this spring.

“It’s really special being able to come back to somewhere where I spent so long in college,” Hughes said, reflecting on his time in Spokane. He cherished the chance to revisit local favorites like Pizza Pipeline and Atilano's, highlighting his comfort in the area, especially with the renovations at Avista Stadium. “Every aspect of it is better, especially from the player-facing standpoint,” he noted, praising the upgraded facilities.

Hughes, who was the Rockies' first-round draft pick in 2022, has had a challenging road. After a promising start with an impressive record, injuries, including Tommy John surgery, sidelined him for significant stretches. Despite these setbacks, he remains determined. “Injuries are always frustrating, and there’s a lot of it that’s just really bad luck,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining his physical health.

Now, as he prepares for his return to Albuquerque, Hughes is focused on the future. With a fastball reaching 93-95 mph and a developing sweeper, he feels ready to take the next step. “It’s nice knowing that I’m on the cusp, but obviously I’m not where I want to end up. There is still more that I want to accomplish in this game,” he concluded, looking ahead to his aspirations in professional baseball.