Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro advocated for Royals pitcher Seth Lugo to start Tuesday’s All-Star Game for the American League. Quatraro spoke with Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, who will lead the AL team.
“I called him and pushed as hard as I could to recommend Seth to start,” Quatraro said Saturday before Lugo pitched in a game where the Royals lost to the Red Sox 5-0.
Lugo, who is 11-4 this season, allowed five runs and 10 hits in five innings against the Red Sox, marking his shortest start of the year. His ERA rose from a league-best 2.21 to 2.48. He’s second in the majors in wins, one behind Atlanta’s Chris Sale (12-3).
“That would be awesome,” Lugo said afterward when asked about the possibility of starting. “I think everybody wants that, me included. That would be cool.”
Quatraro highlighted Lugo’s strong statistics before the game.
“It certainly deserves consideration with his accomplishments this year,” Quatraro said. “I understand there are many deserving players, and their managers are also advocating for them.”
Lugo, a first-time All-Star at 34 years old, is playing his first season with the Royals after signing a $45 million, three-year contract.
When asked about Bochy’s response, Quatraro said, “He said it’s a tough decision. Lugo has had a great year and put himself in position to be considered to start, but it’s a tough choice.”
The last Royals pitcher to start an All-Star Game was Bret Saberhagen in 1987. Pittsburgh rookie Paul Skenes will start for the National League.
