Seth Lugo

Last updated

Seth Lugo
Seth Lugo pitching, Aug 13 2022 2 (cropped).jpg
Lugo with the New York Mets in 2022
Kansas City Royals – No. 67
Pitcher
Born: (1989-11-17) November 17, 1989 (age 34)
Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
July 1, 2016, for the New York Mets
Men's baseball
Representing Flag of Puerto Rico.svg  Puerto Rico
World Baseball Classic
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2017 Los Angeles National team

Jacob Seth Lugo (born November 17, 1989) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the New York Mets and San Diego Padres. Lugo made his MLB debut in 2016 with the Mets. He played for the Puerto Rican national baseball team in the 2017 World Baseball Classic winning a silver medal.

Contents

Career

Amateur career

Lugo attended Parkway High School in Bossier City, Louisiana, [1] and Centenary College of Louisiana, where he played college baseball for the Centenary Gentlemen. In three seasons with Centenary, Lugo had a 5.31 earned run average (ERA). [2]

Minor leagues

The New York Mets selected him in the 34th round, with the 1,032nd overall selection, of the 2011 MLB draft. [2] He signed with the Mets, receiving a $20,000 signing bonus. [3]

Lugo missed the 2012 season due to spondylolisthesis, which required spinal fusion surgery. [4] After the procedure he was bedridden at his mother's home for three months. He returned to pitch in 2013 for the Brooklyn Cyclones of the Class A-Short Season New York–Penn League and the Savannah Sand Gnats of the Class A South Atlantic League, pitching to a 4–6 win–loss record with a 3.39 ERA in 12 games started. [5] He pitched for the St. Lucie Mets of the Class A-Advanced Florida State League in 2014, and for the Binghamton Mets of the Class AA Eastern League and Las Vegas 51s of the Class AAA Pacific Coast League in 2015. The Mets added him to their 40-man roster after the 2015 season. [6]

Lugo with the Mets in 2016 16825Lugomets2016.jpg
Lugo with the Mets in 2016

Lugo began the 2016 season with AAA Las Vegas. [7]

New York Mets

The Mets promoted Lugo to the major leagues on June 30. [7] Lugo made his Major League debut against the Chicago Cubs on July 1, 2016, throwing two shutout innings in a victory. [8] On August 25, Lugo recorded his first major league win and hit, throwing five shutout innings against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium before exiting with muscle cramps. [9] Following that, Lugo became a key cog in the Mets' injury-riddled rotation, pitching to a 2.67 ERA throughout the season and finishing with a 5–2 record. Lugo would have been the second or third starter for New York in the postseason had the Mets advanced past the Wild-Card Game.

Lugo chose to honor his paternal grandfather, who was Puerto Rican, by playing for the Puerto Rican national baseball team in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. He was the starting pitcher against Venezuela in the first round and against United States in both the second round and the Championship Game. He won both the first and second-round games. [10] In the Championship Game, Lugo did not have the same luck on the mound as Puerto Rico lost, 8–0.

Entering the 2017 season, Lugo was expected to provide depth the Mets' pitching staff. After injuries to other starters, Lugo found himself battling with Robert Gsellman for the final spot in the Opening Day starting rotation. However, Lugo himself would be diagnosed with a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching arm after competing for Puerto Rico in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. The injury would cause him to miss the first two months of the regular season. [11] He returned to make his first start of the season for the Mets on June 11, 2017 against the Atlanta Braves, getting the win after pitching seven innings of one-run ball. On Saturday July 15, 2017 Lugo hit his first major league home run against the Colorado Rockies. On August 15, Lugo was again placed on the disabled list with an impingement in his pitching shoulder. [11] He returned on August 27, pitching 3+23 innings with 5 strikeouts in a pitch-limited start. [12] He continued making shorter starts throughout September, finishing the season with a 7-5 record and an ERA of 4.71, with 85 strikeouts and 25 walks over 101+13 innings pitched. [13]

Lugo performed very well the following season, posting a 2.66 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 54 games. He was once again effective in 2019, his first season in which he was exclusively a relief pitcher, posting a 2.70 ERA while striking out 104 batters and walking only 16 in 80 innings. Lugo struggled during the 2020 season, registering a 5.15 ERA and 3-4 record with 47 strikeouts in 36.2 innings of work. [14]

On May 17, 2021, Lugo was placed on the 60-day injured list after undergoing right elbow surgery. [15] He was activated on May 31. [16]

On April 29, 2022, Lugo pitched in relief in a combined no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies, pitching 23 of an inning. [17]

San Diego Padres

On December 22, 2022, Lugo signed a one-year contract with the San Diego Padres, containing a player option for the 2024 season. [18] Following the 2023 season, Lugo opted out of his deal, making him a free agent.

Kansas City Royals

On December 14, 2023, Lugo signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the Kansas City Royals. [19]

Personal life

Lugo is the son of Vicki and Ben Lugo.

Lugo and Amanda Vogle married in January 2018.

Seth was the punter for his high school football team, goalkeeper for soccer team, and a high jumper in track and field.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Billy Wagner</span> American baseball player (born 1971)

William Edward Wagner, nicknamed "Billy the Kid", is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 16 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). He pitched for the Houston Astros (1995–2003), Philadelphia Phillies (2004–2005), New York Mets (2006–2009), Boston Red Sox (2009), and Atlanta Braves (2010). Wagner is one of only eight major league relief pitchers to accumulate at least 400 career saves. A left-handed batter and thrower, Wagner stands 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) tall and weighs 180 pounds (82 kg).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Óliver Pérez</span> Mexican baseball player (born 1981)

Óliver Pérez Martínez is a Mexican former professional baseball pitcher. He played 20 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, Houston Astros, Washington Nationals, and Cleveland Indians. He competed for the Mexico national baseball team in the 2006, 2009, 2013, 2017 and 2023 World Baseball Classic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Max Scherzer</span> American baseball player (born 1984)

Maxwell Martin Scherzer is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Mets. A right-handed starting pitcher, Scherzer is an eight-time MLB All-Star, has won three Cy Young Awards, has pitched two no-hitters, and won the World Series with the Nationals in 2019, and the Texas Rangers in 2023. Known for his intensity and competitiveness on the field, he is nicknamed "Mad Max" after the film series of the same name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jhoulys Chacín</span> American-Venezuelan baseball player (born 1988)

Jhoulys Jose Chacín Molina is a Venezuelan-American professional baseball pitcher for the Saraperos de Saltillo of the Mexican League. He has previously played for the Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves. Listed at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) and 215 pounds (98 kg), he throws and bats right-handed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kenta Maeda</span> Japanese baseball player (born 1988)

Kenta Maeda is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andrew Cashner</span> American baseball player (born 1986)

Andrew Burton Cashner is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, Miami Marlins, Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, and Boston Red Sox.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wilmer Font</span> Venezuelan baseball player

Wilmer Font Gómez is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher for the Diablos Rojos del México of the Mexican League. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, New York Mets, and Toronto Blue Jays. He has also played in the KBO League for the SSG Landers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hector Santiago (baseball)</span> American baseball pitcher

Hector Felipe Santiago is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League. He has played in MLB for the Chicago White Sox from 2011 to 2013 and in 2018 and 2019, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim from 2014 to 2016, Minnesota Twins from 2016 to 2017, New York Mets in 2019, and Seattle Mariners in 2021. He plays for the Puerto Rico national baseball team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sean Gilmartin</span> American baseball player (born 1990)

Sean Patrick Gilmartin is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays. Gilmartin was the 28th overall selection in the 2011 Major League Baseball draft by the Atlanta Braves. Prior to beginning his professional career, Gilmartin attended Florida State University, and was an All-American pitcher for the Seminoles baseball team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Hader</span> American baseball pitcher (born 1994)

Joshua Ronald Hader is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Houston Astros of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres. Hader is a five-time All-Star and three-time winner of the National League Reliever of the Year Award.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sean Reid-Foley</span> American baseball player (born 1995)

Sean Ian Reid-Foley is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB). He was selected in the second round of the 2014 Major League Baseball draft by the Toronto Blue Jays, and made his debut with them in 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Fulmer</span> American baseball player (born 1993)

Michael Joseph Fulmer is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Boston Red Sox organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, and Chicago Cubs. Fulmer won the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 2016, and was an All-Star in 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blake Snell</span> American baseball pitcher (born 1992)

Blake Ashton Snell is an American professional baseball pitcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Tampa Bay Rays and San Diego Padres.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joe Musgrove</span> American baseball player (born 1992)

Joseph Anthony Musgrove is an American professional baseball pitcher for the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played in MLB for the Houston Astros and Pittsburgh Pirates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robert Gsellman</span> American baseball player

Robert John Gsellman is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Washington Nationals organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball for the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs, and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars.

Eric Lance Lauer is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers. He played college baseball for the Kent State Golden Flashes of Kent State University. Lauer made his MLB debut with the Padres in 2018 and was traded to the Brewers before the 2020 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edwin Díaz</span> Puerto Rican baseball player (born 1994)

Edwin Orlando Díaz Laboy is a Puerto Rican professional baseball pitcher for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Seattle Mariners.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dinelson Lamet</span> Dominican baseball player (born 1992)

Dinelson Lamet Hernandez is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies, Boston Red Sox and Dodgers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emilio Pagán</span> American baseball player (born 1991)

Emilio Enrique Pagán is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Tampa Bay Rays, Seattle Mariners, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, and Minnesota Twins. He plays for the Puerto Rico national baseball team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joey Lucchesi</span> American baseball player (born 1993)

Joseph George Lucchesi is an American professional baseball pitcher for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the San Diego Padres.

References

  1. Hedges, Russell. "Former Parkway pitcher Seth Lugo a step away from major leagues". Bossier Press. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
  2. 1 2 Wagner, James (July 2, 2016). "After 34 Rounds, Then Five Years, Seth Lugo Makes the Most of Two Innings". The New York Times. Retrieved March 21, 2017.
  3. Guilbeau, Glenn (February 25, 2017). "Shreveport's Seth Lugo is Mets' Sidd Finch — no fooling". USA Today. Retrieved March 21, 2017.
  4. "The unlikely story of Seth Lugo: The Mets pitcher who turned into major league prospect (VIDEO)". NJ.com. May 6, 2015. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
  5. Rubin, Adam (August 24, 2016). "Seth Lugo, once bedridden for three months after spinal surgery, pitching in for injury-riddled Mets". ESPN . Retrieved August 30, 2016.
  6. "Mets protect four players from Rule 5 Draft". MLB.com. Archived from the original on November 21, 2015. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
  7. 1 2 "Mets to promote righty Seth Lugo from Triple-A Las Vegas". ESPN.com. June 30, 2016. Retrieved June 30, 2016.
  8. "Ex-Parkway, Centenary standout makes MLB debut". Shreveport Times . July 1, 2016. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  9. Ackert, Kristie (August 25, 2016). "Lugo leaves with injury as Mets hold on for win over Cardinals". New York Daily News . Retrieved August 26, 2016.
  10. Thornburg, Chad (February 8, 2017). "Young stars join Beltran, Yadi for Puerto Rico". MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 22, 2017. Retrieved March 14, 2017.
  11. 1 2 Harper, John (August 16, 2017). "Mets place Seth Lugo on 10-day DL, activate Robert Gsellman". Daily News . Retrieved August 16, 2017.
  12. Carig, Marc (August 28, 2017). "Mets' Seth Lugo looks sharp early on, then is pulled in fourth". Newsday . Retrieved August 25, 2019.
  13. "Seth Lugo 2017 Pitching Game Logs". Baseball-Reference.com . Retrieved August 25, 2019.
  14. "2020 Mets Report Card: Seth Lugo, RHP | Metsmerized Online". October 5, 2020.
  15. "Mets Place Michael Conforto, Jeff McNeil on Injured List". May 17, 2021.
  16. "Mets Make Several Roster Moves". May 31, 2021.
  17. DiComo, Anthony (April 29, 2022). "Mets toss '22's first no-no, down Phillies". MLB.com . Retrieved April 29, 2022.
  18. "Padres finalize deal with curveball maestro Lugo". MLB.com .
  19. https://www.mlb.com/news/seth-lugo-steps-into-royals-rotation
Awards and achievements
Preceded by No-hitter pitcher
April 29, 2022
(with Tylor Megill, Drew Smith, Joely Rodríguez & Edwin Díaz)
Succeeded by