Baseball

Royals’ Seth Lugo Set to Start Friday After Concussion Scare

by
Richard Hayes
June 17, 2026

Kansas City Royals right-hander Seth Lugo is on track to return to the mound Friday after recovering from a concussion. Lugo, who was sidelined after being struck in the head by a blazing 106.6 mph line drive during a game against Texas, threw a successful bullpen session, indicating he is ready to make his comeback.

Manager Matt Quatraro shared the encouraging news ahead of the Royals’ matchup against the Washington Nationals, confirming that Lugo felt good and is expected to start Friday night when Kansas City hosts the St. Louis Cardinals.

In addition to Lugo’s return, left-hander Kris Bubic, currently on the injured list due to elbow soreness, also threw during practice, suggesting a positive trajectory in his recovery process. However, the outlook for left-hander Cole Ragans is less promising. Quatraro noted that Ragans experienced a setback during his rehabilitation from a left elbow injury and continues to exhibit symptoms, keeping him shut down for the time being.

To make room for Lugo’s return, the Royals optioned right-hander Mitch Spence to Triple-A Omaha. Spence recently struggled in a spot start against the Nationals, allowing six runs in just four innings. This move clears a roster spot for right-hander Connor Seabold, who was acquired by the Royals in a trade with Toronto.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

Richard Hayes

Richard Hayes is the go-to writer for all things soccer at 21Sports.com. His international perspective and in-depth knowledge of the game have made him a trusted voice in the industry. Richard’s experience covering major leagues around the world allows him to offer unique insights that resonate with both casual fans and die-hard enthusiasts. When not covering matches, Richard enjoys coaching youth soccer in his community.