4 years agoNew York Mets pitcher Seth Lugo managed to go only 1 2/3 innings against the Phillies on Thursday in the Mets' 10-6 win. Lugo was pummeled for eight hits and six earned runs, while giving up four home runs in his brief appearance. Lugo's ERA on the season rose to 4.34, while his ERA in his five games started (in a total of 18 2/3 innings pitched) jumped to 5.30. Although his ERA in his four prior games started was just 2.64 before Thursday's shellacking, historically as Lugo has gotten stretched out as a starter he has been less effective. Coming into 2020, as a relief pitcher, Lugo’s career ERA was 2.53 versus a career ERA of 4.06 as a starter in 31 career starts. Given the sad state of the Mets' bullpen and Lugo's much better results as a reliever, the decision to move Lugo into the rotation was considered suspect. It was anticipated that wins and quality starts would be tough to come by for Lugo before he was stretched out, and his ratios would likely regress based on his past performance as a starter. Unfortunately, that expectation has come to fruition. In his last two starts, Lugo has now posted a 11.57 ERA and he has allowed 15 hits in seven IP. Lugo has also yet to post a quality start. Lugo will next face the potent lineup of the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday. Managers may wish to fade Lugo for that start in light of his recent struggles. That said, given the fact there are only ten days left in the regular season, managers in need of counting stats fighting to win fantasy leagues may not have that option.--Nick Ritrivi - RotoBaller
Source: MLB.com