Called upon to preserve the Mets’ 3-2 lead in the eighth inning, Seth Lugo punched out all three Brewers that he faced to help the Mets avoid the series sweep against Milwaukee on Sunday.
“Our bullpen has been getting the job done when we’re ahead,” [Mets’ Manager Mickey Callaway]said. “I think the parts that we’ve struggled with is when we get down a few, we’re not kind of keeping the other team there.” (Brian Heyman, Newsday)
The Mets’ bullpen owns the third worst ERA in the league this season, but Lugo has been one of the few bright spots. In his last eight appearances, Lugo has struck out 17 batters while only walking one. He has a 2.08 ERA in this span with three holds.
Callaway said that he did not use his usual set-up man yesterday, Jeurys Familia, who owns a 6.17 ERA this season, to pitch the eighth inning because he threw 21 pitches the day before while Lugo last pitched on Wednesday.
“It’s not that we’re running from Familia,” Callaway said. “It’s just that we thought that [he] was the best option for tonight.” (Anthony DiComo, MLB.com)
Lugo’s dominant appearance lowered his ERA to 4.32 on the season, and it increased his K/9 to 11.88. He also brought down his FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) to 3.13 and xFIP to 3.63.
Over the past few seasons, the former 34th round draft pick has emerged into a key piece for the Mets bullpen. In 101.1 innings last year, Lugo posted a 2.66 ERA with a 1.07 WHIP and 9.1 K/9.
Known for his excellent spin rates and ability to pitch multiple innings, Lugo should see more high leverage roles going forward, especially if Familia continues to struggle. Aside from Edwin Diaz, Lugo has been one of the few relievers Callaway could trust of late.
While Lugo experienced a few rough outings to begin the year, he now appears fully back on track and figures to have another solid season for Callaway and the Mets.
