After Seth Lugo’s dominant performance against the New York Yankees, Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro couldn’t wait to rewatch the game. Lugo showcased his full arsenal, throwing nine different pitches, which left the Yankees considering the possibility of facing him again in a potential postseason matchup.
Lugo, now pitching at a level he always believed he could achieve, left the New York Mets for a chance to start consistently with the San Diego Padres, where he posted an 8-7 record with a 3.57 ERA. His success caught the attention of the Royals, who signed him to a three-year, $45 million deal, and he has since become a Cy Young candidate, contributing to the Royals’ improved pitching staff with a 3.54 ERA.
In the game against the Yankees, Lugo threw a mix of fastballs, sweepers, curveballs, and changeups with pinpoint accuracy, earning 10 strikeouts while allowing just three hits over seven innings. Yankees hitters struggled to adjust, as Lugo constantly changed speeds and locations, preventing them from finding a rhythm. The performance marked the first game in Yankees history without a walk, extra-base hit, and with at least 14 strikeouts.
Despite their optimism, Yankees players like Gleyber Torres and Juan Soto acknowledged that Lugo’s game plan was different than when they last faced him in Kansas City. Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted how Lugo’s diverse pitch selection and command made it nearly impossible for hitters to anticipate his next move.