How Royals’ Seth Lugo showed improved velocity in World Baseball Classic opener
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Lugo opened WBC with four scoreless innings, limiting Colombia to three hits.
- Fastball averaged 92.7 mph, touched 95, showing offseason velocity gains.
- Command improved: 36 of 62 strikes and a 28% combined whiff rate.
Seth Lugo returned to the international circuit on Friday night.
The Kansas City Royals All-Star pitcher made the start for Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. And it was a welcoming sign as he looks to overcome an injury-riddled campaign last season.
Lugo tossed four scoreless innings against Colombia at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Friday. He surrendered three hits, two walks and recorded three strikeouts as he pitched into the fifth inning.
Additionally, Lugo threw 36 of 62 pitches for strikes. He was replaced due to the WBC pitching restrictions — 65 total pitches — in the pool play.
Lugo looked sharp in the early going. He recorded two strikeouts in the first inning while displaying his extensive pitching arsenal. There was an emphasis to utilize his slurve and four-seam fastball.
Both pitches were effective. Lugo registered six swings and five called strikes with his slurve. Meanwhile, the fastball averaged 92.7 mph, an uptick from earlier in spring training.
At times, Lugo touched 95 mph while navigating the Colombia lineup.
Lugo entered this offseason looking to pitch with more velocity. He was able to command the strike zone with his fastball early in counts on Friday. As a result, he finished his outing with a combined 28% whiff rate on his pitches.
This spring, Lugo admitted there were some inconsistencies in his game. So he entered spring training looking to pitch more efficiently.
“That’s what I’m kind of honing down on this spring,” Lugo said earlier in Royals camp. “I’m trying to be a little bit more consistent and help the (Royals) get to the playoffs.”
On Friday, Lugo showcased his offseason work. And when he got into trouble, he was able to limit the damage and keep the scoreboard clear.
Lugo got a key strikeout to leave two runners stranded in the second inning. Then, he induced a 6-4-3 double play to end the fourth frame.
Both instances were important.
It was shades of Lugo when he was at his best during the 2024 season — when he finished second in American League Cy Young voting.
And the Royals appreciate the encouraging start.
Last season, Lugo dealt with a finger injury and back spasms. He missed a handful of starts down the stretch and finished with a 7.51 ERA in his last nine appearances.
Lugo will now be rested for four days until he can pitch again. However, he departed Friday’s game with a strong outing to begin his WBC quest.
This story was originally published March 6, 2026 at 8:05 PM.
