Will Bossier’s Seth Lugo Be The Difference Against the Yankees?

Former Parkway Panther & Centenary Gent Seth Lugo has had a career year in 2024. The Louisiana native posted career highs in numerous categories and is on the fringes of the Cy Young discussion. In short, he's been incredible. In fact, the Royals as a whole have been nothing short of incredible.

They were a 100+ loss team last year. Now, they're battling with the Yankees for a spot in the American League Championship Series. The Royals lost game one against in the Yankees, but it was a back & forth game with 5 lead changes (a post season record). So, they're showing fight and determination.

Now, if we're being honest, the Yankees are heavy favorites to win this series and move on. In fact, a lot of experts say that they have an 'easy' road to the World Series. But, the Royals have a secret weapon - Seth Lugo.

How Bossier, Louisiana's Seth Lugo Can Influence the Outcome of the Playoffs

I know what you're thinking - "he's a starting pitcher. Of course he's going to have an impact depending on how he does". And, on a basic level, that's 100% true. But, it goes a bit beyond that.

Diving into his numbers, Seth Lugo throughout has career has been lights out against the Yankees. According to Stat Muse, Seth is 5-2 against the Yanks with a 2.55 ERA & 45 strikeouts.

In fact, one of his best starts in the second half of the year this season was against the Yankees. Lugo went 7 scoreless innings, only giving up 3 hits. Oh and he struck out 10. So, not too shabby.

Plus, if you're looking at the match ups between the two teams, this might be more than a slight edge for the Royals. Because, the Yankees pitchers haven't been very good in the playoffs.

Gerrit Cole has been good throughout his career in the post season, but not as a Yankee. He's 2-2 as a Yankees with a pretty inflated ERA. Carlos Rodon is 0-1 with a 13.50 ERA. Nestor Cortez is injured. Luis Gil is a rookie and you never know what a rookie is going to do in a playoff situation.

The Yankees may have the bigger bats with Soto & Judge, but the Royals may have the edge everywhere else. Between Lugo & the front end starters of the Royals...they actually have a pretty good chance to shock the world.

When Will Seth Lugo Faceoff Against the Yankees?

That is the million dollar question. In the playoffs, managers tend to be a little more tight lipped when it comes to announcing their starters. Today (Monday 10/7), Cole Ragans is taking the hill. Which would lead me to believe that Seth Lugo will be facing off against the Yankees in Game 3 Wednesday evening in Kansas City.

But, depending on the outcome of today's game, they could push him back or move him up. Or, if the situation calls for it, they could hypothetically bring him in from the bullpen. I don't see that happening since we're not into an elimination game yet...but it's the playoffs and you never really know.

Here's what we know - at some point - Seth will take the mound and face the Yankees. A team he's been very good against. And that could be a deciding factor in a best of 5 series to determine who is moving on.