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Seth Lugo has remained one of the most under-appreciated starting pitchers in the league, and he has been a key piece of the Kansas City Royals since they signed him back in December 2023 to a three-year, $45 million deal.
Lugo has started 25 or more games for three straight years entering this season, and he appeared destined to do so again, but he has hit quite a bump in the road.
During Lugo's last start against the Texas Rangers, he was drilled in the head by a line drive off the bat of his former Mets teammate, Brandon Nimmo. The ball ricocheted into right field, and Nimmo immediately rushed to check on Lugo, as did trainers and manager Matt Quatraro. Lugo walked off under his own power and underwent further testing but appeared to be in good spirits.
Unfortunately, he has not progressed since then. "RHP Seth Lugo was placed on 7-day concussion injured list. He is experiencing headaches and symptoms worsened," reported Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star.
This is a significant blow for Kansas City's depleted rotation, even if it ends up costing him just one start. The team's two left-handed All-Stars, Cole Ragans and Kris Bubic, have had nightmare seasons dealing with injuries and underperformance, which has left Lugo to carry the load as the ace of the staff.
While Lugo has not been as effective as he was in 2024 when he earned an All-Star selection, he has still done the best he can in his age-36 season. Across 14 starts, he has posted a 3.86 ERA with 66 strikeouts in 79 1/3 innings. The most important part of his contribution has been length, providing innings for a Kansas City bullpen that grades out as one of the worst in the league.
The hope is that Lugo starts to feel better soon, but given the nature of a head injury, it is safe to say the Royals will play it safe with his return. Concussion symptoms are not something to rush, especially for a player this important to the staff.
That caution feels especially necessary considering the Royals are 14 games under .500 entering Saturday's game against the Houston Astros. With the season already slipping away, the last thing Kansas City needs is to lose its most reliable arm for an extended stretch. Lugo's situation will be monitored closely in the days ahead.
Continue reading...
Lugo has started 25 or more games for three straight years entering this season, and he appeared destined to do so again, but he has hit quite a bump in the road.
During Lugo's last start against the Texas Rangers, he was drilled in the head by a line drive off the bat of his former Mets teammate, Brandon Nimmo. The ball ricocheted into right field, and Nimmo immediately rushed to check on Lugo, as did trainers and manager Matt Quatraro. Lugo walked off under his own power and underwent further testing but appeared to be in good spirits.
Unfortunately, he has not progressed since then. "RHP Seth Lugo was placed on 7-day concussion injured list. He is experiencing headaches and symptoms worsened," reported Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star.
This is a significant blow for Kansas City's depleted rotation, even if it ends up costing him just one start. The team's two left-handed All-Stars, Cole Ragans and Kris Bubic, have had nightmare seasons dealing with injuries and underperformance, which has left Lugo to carry the load as the ace of the staff.
While Lugo has not been as effective as he was in 2024 when he earned an All-Star selection, he has still done the best he can in his age-36 season. Across 14 starts, he has posted a 3.86 ERA with 66 strikeouts in 79 1/3 innings. The most important part of his contribution has been length, providing innings for a Kansas City bullpen that grades out as one of the worst in the league.
The hope is that Lugo starts to feel better soon, but given the nature of a head injury, it is safe to say the Royals will play it safe with his return. Concussion symptoms are not something to rush, especially for a player this important to the staff.
That caution feels especially necessary considering the Royals are 14 games under .500 entering Saturday's game against the Houston Astros. With the season already slipping away, the last thing Kansas City needs is to lose its most reliable arm for an extended stretch. Lugo's situation will be monitored closely in the days ahead.
Continue reading...
