Seth Lugo DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Kansas City Royals right-hander Seth Lugo (finger) is scheduled to be activated from the 15-day injured list to start Friday's series opener against the division-rival Detroit Tigers, according to manager Matt Quatraro. Lugo has been sidelined with inflammation in his right middle finger, but he's going to come off the IL immediately when he's eligible without going on a minor-league rehab assignment. The 35-year-old veteran has been solid for the Royals so far in 2025, going 3-4 with a 3.02 ERA (4.50 FIP) and 1.09 WHIP with 42 strikeouts and 15 walks in 56 2/3 innings over his nine starts. However, his 6.7 K/9 mark and 4.50 FIP mean regression is likely coming for the soft-tossing hurler. Lugo's first start back this weekend also won't be a very favorable matchup for fantasy managers, as the Tigers boast the No. 8 team OPS (.734) so far in 2025.

Kansas City Royals right-hander Seth Lugo (finger) threw a bullpen on Saturday and is progressing well, according to MLB.com. Lugo is on track to return when he's eligible to come off the 15-day injured list on May 30. The 35-year-old veteran was placed on the IL on May 17 (retroactive to May 14) with a right third-finger sprain. If Lugo makes his return and starts on Friday, he'd be facing the division-rival Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium, which won't be a great first matchup back. While Lugo only has 42 strikeouts in 56 2/3 innings over his nine starts for the Royals this year, he's limited hard contact and currently sports a strong 3.02 ERA (4.50 FIP) and 1.09 WHIP. His 4.50 FIP points to regression on the horizon, but he hasn't allowed more than three earned runs in an outing since April 14 against the New York Yankees.

The Kansas City Royals have placed starting pitcher Seth Lugo (finger) on the 15-day injured list due to a finger sprain. Lugo was initially expected to get the starting nod on Saturday, but saw his start pushed back. However, Lugo will now be held out of action for at least the next two weeks. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status while he is sidelined. This afternoon, the Royals promoted Noah Cameron from Triple-A to take his spot in the rotation. If he performs well, Cameron should be the favorite to remain in the rotation for the next two weeks. Through 56 2/3 innings this season, the 35-year-old has posted a strong 3.02 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP. While he has only struck out 42 batters, he has provided excellent ratios. Fantasy managers in standard formats should stash Lugo while he is sidelined.