Lugo Will Train As Starter During Offseason

According to Laura Albanese of Newsday, New York Mets right-hander Seth Lugo will train as a starter this offseason.

Lugo, 28, has been a workhorse for the Mets in 2018 throwing 101.1 innings over 54 appearances that includes five starts. He has a 2.66 ERA, 3.17 FIP, 1.08 WHIP and 9.1 K/9 this season.

In his five 2018 starts, he has a 3.91 ERA compared to a 2.30 ERA as a reliever. For his career, Lugo has fared better as a reliever with 2.38 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 98 innings while posting a 4.06 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 168 innings as a starter.

The Mets have starting pitchers Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler, Steven Matz and Jason Vargas all under contract for the 2019 season.

However, the outlook for the bullpen is far more uncertain with Robert Gsellman as the likely only guaranteed spot (aside from Lugo) returning from the 2018 season.