The Kansas Metropolis Royals introduced that they’ve positioned right-hander Seth Lugo on the 15-day injured checklist because of a decrease again pressure. Righty Stephen Kolek has been recalled because the corresponding transfer. Earlier than the official announcement, supervisor Matt Quatraro relayed the strikes to reporters, together with Anne Rogers of MLB.com.
Lugo was initially slated to begin Thursday’s recreation, however the Royals introduced Wednesday that he would not be beginning that recreation because of some low again tightness. Noah Cameron is taking the ball as an alternative. Lugo may have been an choice for Saturday’s recreation, however he didn’t really feel any enchancment whereas enjoying catch Thursday, so he’s happening the IL.
It’s an unlucky and ill-timed loss for the Royals. They’re 2.5 video games again of a playoff spot with only a few weeks remaining within the season. They’re nonetheless alive, however they want loads to go proper to catch each the Rangers and Mariners and safe a postseason spot.
Shedding Lugo received’t assist, as he’s been a key a part of the membership’s rotation because the begin of final yr. He and the Royals not too long ago agreed to a new contract extension to maintain him from opting out of his deal at season’s finish. Although he’s been good this yr on the entire, the again concern might have been bothering him currently. By way of his begin on Aug. 3, he had an earned run common of three.06 on the yr. Over his previous 5 begins, he has allowed 25 earned runs in 22 innings.
Whether or not the again had something to do with that current tough stretch or not, he’ll take a while to attempt to get proper. His IL placement is retroactive to Sept. 1, so he may very well be again in simply 12 days if he feels higher. That might give him an opportunity to make just a few extra begins down the stretch, although that can naturally rely upon his progress within the coming weeks.
For now, Kolek will seemingly take his spot, a minimum of for one flip. Acquired as a part of the Freddy Fermin commerce on the deadline, Kolek has primarily been within the minors since that deal. He made his Royals debut on Saturday, tossing six innings with only one run crossing the plate. He was despatched again down after that, because it was simply imagined to be a spot begin. Nevertheless, his respectable outcomes and Lugo’s damage will get him a minimum of another. He’s eligible to return lower than 15 days after being optioned as a result of Lugo is occurring the IL.
Kolek had primarily been a reliever within the 2022 to 2024 seasons, however has been stretched again out right here in 2025. Between the Padres and Royals, he has made 15 begins with a 3.99 ERA. His 16.5% strikeout price is subpar, however his 7.3% stroll price and 51.9% floor ball price are each robust figures. His Triple-A manufacturing is comparable beneath the hood. He has made 11 begins down there with an 18.6% strikeout price, 6.8% stroll price and 54.1% floor ball price. Nevertheless, a .400 batting common on balls in play has helped spike his ERA to six.26 at that degree.
