Key facts
- Kansas City Royals pitcher Seth Lugo is expected to start Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals.
- Lugo was hit in the head by a 106.6 mph line drive last week.
- He successfully completed a bullpen session on Tuesday.
- Manager Matt Quatraro stated Lugo felt good and is ready to return.
- Cole Ragans is still sidelined with elbow injury symptoms.
Kansas City Royals pitcher Seth Lugo is on track to start Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals, having successfully completed a bullpen session Tuesday. Lugo was previously sidelined after being struck in the head by a 106.6 mph line drive during a game last week. Manager Matt Quatraro confirmed that Lugo felt good and is expected to make his return.
In other team news, left-hander Kris Bubic also threw a bullpen session as he recovers from elbow soreness. However, left-hander Cole Ragans is still experiencing symptoms from a left elbow injury and remains shut down. Right-hander Mitch Spence was optioned to Triple-A Omaha, with right-hander Connor Seabold, acquired in a trade with Toronto, taking his roster spot.
During the incident last week, Lugo was hit by a line drive off the bat of Texas Rangers outfielder Brandon Nimmo. Quatraro described the moment as "very scary" but noted that Lugo was "with it" and seemed fine after the impact, though he underwent a CT scan as a precaution. Teammates expressed relief that Lugo was able to walk off the field under his own power and was in good spirits.