Seth Lugo was by all measures the cream of the New York Mets’ crop of relievers last season. Although the 29-year-old (his birthday is Saturday, in fact) was thrust into the role, the career-long starting pitcher shone in his new surroundings.
With the Mets’ rotation virtually at full-capacity for the time being, with NL Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler, Steven Matz, and Jason Vargas standing as incumbents, he could be stuck in that role for the foreseeable future.
Opening Day is a long way down the road, and a lot can happen before then. But if the current situation remains the future one, Lugo will most likely still be coming out of the bullpen. As we know, this is not a bad thing. It just might not be what Seth Lugo wants for Seth Lugo, which is understandable.
As a starter last season, filling in for the injured Syndergaard, Lugo pitched to a 3.91 earned-run average in five starts with a 1.304 WHIP, 10.6 strikeouts per nine innings and a 4.50 strikeout-to-walk ratio. All respectable numbers, albeit with a slightly inflated ERA.
As a relief pitcher, there were no such deficiencies. In 49 appearances (78.1 innings), the Louisiana native pitched to a 2.30 ERA with 76 strikeouts to 22 walks, a .204/.264/.296 batting average against, and 1.009 WHIP.
Clearly, Lugo has no restrictions on where he pitches. He’s more-than-effective in either role he’s tabbed for, though certainly has shown more promise as a reliever.
As per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen spoke with Seth Lugo on Friday regarding his role with the 2019 team.
“[Van Wagenen] told him to be prepared for any role in 2019,” DiComo tweeted, adding that Lugo will “train as a starter”.
“I want to be a starter,” Lugo told DiComo. “[…] So my offseason is going to be that approach.”
Tim Healey of Newsday described Lugo as “not being thrilled” when he was relegated to the bullpen last season, “but understood the thinking”.
From this writer’s perspective, Seth Lugo could care less how he’s going to be used; just as long as he’s here and well-prepared for anything. That’s extremely encouraging.
He’s obviously comfortable pitching in relief and excels in the role, but aspires to be a major league starting pitcher and will continue to prepare as such. That’s the epitome of being a team player.
