Boston, MassachusettsBoston, Massachusetts Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro has put forth the name of right-handed pitcher Seth Lugo as a candidate to start for the American League in the upcoming All-Star Game in Los Angeles. Quatraro personally advocated for Lugo to Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, who is leading the AL team. The Royals manager explained, “I called him and urged him as hard as I could to recommend Seth as the starter.” Despite suffering a loss in a recent game against the Red Sox, Lugo boasts an impressive 11-4 record this season with an MLB-best 2.21 ERA (now 2.48). He ranks second in the majors in wins, just one behind Atlanta’s Chris Sale. When asked about the possibility of starting the All-Star Game, Lugo expressed excitement and ambition: “That would be great. I think everyone wants that, including me. That would be cool.” Quatraro emphasized Lugo’s strong performance throughout the season, recognizing that many deserving candidates are also being considered. He added, “It’s definitely worth it with his performances throughout the year. I understand there are a lot of guys who deserve it and their managers are campaigning for them as well.” The 34-year-old Lugo, a first-time All-Star, joined the Royals on a three-year, $45 million contract. Bochy acknowledged the difficulty in selecting a starting pitcher, stating, “Lugo’s had a great year and has put himself in a position to be considered to start, but it’s a difficult choice.” Kansas City’s last All-Star starting pitcher was Bret Saberhagen in 1987. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes will take the mound as the starting pitcher for the National League.
BOSTON — Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro has secured Royals right-handed pitcher Seth Lugo to start the American League All-Star Game on Tuesday.
Quatraro advocated for Lugo to Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, the leader of the AL team.
“I called him and urged him as hard as I could to recommend Seth as the starter,” Quatraro said Saturday before Lugo suffered the loss as the Royals lost 5-0 to the Red Sox.
Lugo (11-4) tied his season high of five runs and gave up his most hits (10) in five innings. It was his shortest start of the year. He entered the day with an MLB-best 2.21 ERA that rose to 2.48. He ranks second in the majors in wins, one behind Atlanta’s Chris Sale (12-3).
“That would be great,” Lugo said afterward when asked about the possibility of starting. “I think everyone wants that, including me. That would be cool.”
Before the match, Quatraro pointed out his strong numbers.
“It’s definitely worth it with his performances throughout the year,” Quatraro said. “I understand there are a lot of guys who deserve it and their managers are campaigning for them as well.”
The 34-year-old Lugo, a first-time All-Star, is in his first season with the Royals, who signed him to a three-year, $45 million contract.
Asked what Bochy told him, Quatraro replied: “He said it’s a difficult decision. Lugo’s had a great year and has put himself in a position to be considered to start, but it’s a difficult choice.”
Kansas City’s last All-Star starting pitcher was Bret Saberhagen in 1987.
Pittsburgh right-handed pitcher Paul Skenes will start for the National League.
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