Seth

Lugo

Lugo was unlikely to pitch again this season after being shut down earlier this week due to renewed back discomfort, but the Royals have made it official. Quatraro added that the 35-year-old veteran starter’s back simply hasn’t progressed to the point where he’s a viable option for the final week of the regular season.

It sounds like Lugo is going to need some additional time off before returning to Kansas City’s rotation after Monday’s throwing session didn’t go as planned. The 35-year-old veteran hit the injured list earlier this month with a lower back strain. It’s going to be challenging for him to make it back before the regular season wraps up. There should be an update on his status at some point later this week when he attempts to resume throwing.

Lugo already had his last start pushed back due to the back issue, so this doesn’t come as a complete surprise. Stephen Kolek returned from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move and will take his place in the Royals’ rotation.

Noah Cameron will take the ball on Thursday against the Angels in place of Lugo, who will be pushed back until next week. The 35-year-old veteran will be re-evaluated later this week to determine whether he’ll require a trip to the injured list.

The 35-year-old right-hander struck out five batters on the evening while issuing four free passes. Lugo loaded the bases with two outs in the first inning but escaped unscathed. He wasn’t as lucky in the second as Kerry Carpenter smacked a two-out, two-run single off of him. Lugo then gave up a two-run double to Riley Greene before exiting in the fourth inning. He got seven swings and misses on 85 pitches on the night, registering a CSW of 26 percent. He’ll try to get back on track as he carries a 4.15 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and a 125/55 K/BB ratio (145 1/3 innings) into Thursday’s matchup against the Angels.

Lugo punched out five batters on the day while issuing a pair of free passes. He served up a solo homer to Riley Greene in the second inning and a three-run double to Jahmai Jones in the fourth. He then returned for the fifth and allowed a solo shot to Wenceel Perez and a single to Kerry Carpenter before turning the ball over to the bullpen. That inherited runner scored as well. Lugo generated six whiffs on 79 pitches in the ballgame, registering a CSW of 28 percent. He’ll attempt to bounce back as he carries a 3.99 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and a 120/51 K/BB ratio (142 innings) into a rematch against the Tigers at home on Saturday.

Lugo struck out five batters on the night while issuing a pair of free passes. The 35-year-old hurler served up a solo homer to Corey Seager in the first inning and another to Joc Pederson in the fourth. Aside from those two pitches, he was brilliant. He generated six swings and misses on 102 pitches on the night, posting a CSW of 28 percent. Lugo now holds a 3.73 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and a 115/49 K/BB ratio over 137 2/3 innings through his first 24 starts. He’ll do battle against the Tigers his next time out in Detroit on Sunday afternoon.

Lugo struck out two but walked four and posted a 13 percent whiff rate and 22 percent CSW. Lugo has now allowed 19 runs in his last 18 1/3 innings over four starts. That happens to coincide with when Lugo signed his contract extension, but that’s most likely more coincidence than anything. He gets a tougher start next week against the Rangers, and we would understand benching Lugo in shallower formats, but we would not drop him yet.

Lugo gave up nine hits, walked two and struck out one. The 35-year-old right-hander had avoided an outing like this despite walking multiple batters in each of his last three starts. Walks weren’t the problem Friday, but Lugo couldn’t put away the Twins as he allowed nine hits including two home runs and struck out just one batter. Lugo has a 3.46 ERA and 108/43 K/BB ratio in 127 1/3 innings this year. He’s lined up to face the Nationals at home next week.

Lugo gave up four hits, walked four and struck out three. The 35-year-old right-hander has allowed four walks in back-to-back starts, though walks generally haven’t been a problem for Lugo over the course of his career. He has a 3.06 ERA and 107/41 K/BB ratio in 123 1/3 innings this year. Lugo is lined up to face the Twins on the road next weekend.