How Royals’ Seth Lugo showed improved velocity in World Baseball Classic opener

San Juan, Puerto Rico – The roar inside Hiram Bithorn Stadium on Friday night carried an extra layer of anticipation every time Seth Lugo reached back. Making his first international start since Puerto Rico’s 2026 World Baseball Classic opener against Colombia, the Kansas City Royals right-hander looked every bit the pitcher who finished second in the 2024 American League Cy Young race, flashing a fastball that sat at 92.7 mph and kissed 95 mph—noticeably livelier than the readings Royals coaches saw earlier in spring training.

Lugo needed only 62 pitches to navigate four scoreless innings, scattering three hits, walking two and striking out three before the tournament’s 65-pitch limit ushered him to the dugout. He threw 36 of those offerings for strikes, leaning heavily on a four-seam fastball and a biting slurve that generated six swings and five called strikes. The combination produced a 28 percent whiff rate on the evening and, more importantly, zero runs on the scoreboard.

The velocity bump was no accident. After an injury-marred 2025 season that included a finger ailment and recurring back spasms—ailments that limited him to a 7.51 ERA over his final nine outings—Lugo entered the offseason determined to regain the extra gear that once made him one of baseball’s most complete arms.

“That’s what I’m kinding honing down on this spring,” Lugo said in Royals camp last month. “I’m trying to be a little bit more consistent and help the (Royals) get to the playoffs.”

He translated that mission into immediate action against Colombia. Lugo punched out two hitters in a 12-pitch first inning, then wiggled out of a two-on, two-out jam in the second with a timely strikeout. His biggest escape came in the fourth when a leadoff single and a walk threatened to break the deadlock. Lugo coaxed a 6-4-3 double play and capped the frame with a soft liner to second, preserving Puerto Rico’s slim lead and sending the crowd into a flag-waving frenzy.

The outing mirrored the efficient, damage-limiting style that carried Lugo to stardom two seasons ago. Friday’s line—four innings, zero runs, three strikeouts—will not count toward regular-season statistics, but it offered a promising glimpse of a pitcher regaining peak form ahead of a pivotal year for both club and country.

Because of WBC rest rules, Lugo must wait four days before he can pitch again. If Friday’s performance is any indication, Puerto Rico—and the Royals—will be happy to have him back on the mound.