KC Royals ace Seth Lugo finds rhythm against Texas Rangers in first spring start
Kansas City Royals ace Seth Lugo made his first Cactus League start this spring on Tuesday. The 2024 All-Star, who finished second for the AL Cy Young award in 2024, was pleased with his performance against the Texas Rangers.
The final stat line didn’t matter. Lugo made it clear his goal was to challenge hitters and fill up the strike zone.
“I mixed in, I think, every pitch,” Lugo said. “That was the idea of the work today, and I got the pitch count up. So that’s right where we want to be.”
Lugo threw two innings against the Rangers. He allowed a three-run homer to Rangers outfielder Leody Taveras in the second inning.
The Royals weren’t concerned. Lugo was persistent in building up his innings as he heads into his second campaign in Kansas City.
“I think I threw almost 40 pitches today,” Lugo said. “So, I think that is a good start. Build up off there, 15 to 20 more each week, and that should line us up there for the season.”
Lugo will headline a veteran starting rotation. He joins Cole Ragans, Michael Wacha and Michael Lorenzen in the group. The Royals have a competition for the fifth starter spot that will be decided this spring.
Royals manager Matt Quatraro was pleased with Lugo’s performance. He felt Lugo pitched with ease throughout the start.
“He looked comfortable,” Quatraro said. “You know, his delivery looked good. It looked like the home-run pitch was probably a breaking ball that stayed up a little bit too much. But his command looked fine and the delivery of which he was reacting to the pitches was good. I thought it was a really good first outing.”
The Royals won 15-6 over the Rangers. The club got instant offense from its regulars early in the game. New leadoff hitter Jonathan India got aboard and later scored on first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino’s two-run double.
KC generated 22 hits and improved to 4-0-1 in spring training play.
“I know these guys can swing it and they can hustle,” Lugo said. “You know, seeing those guys run the bases as hard as they do, that’s why this team is so exciting. So it’s good to be a part of.”
This story was originally published February 25, 2025 at 6:13 PM.
