The Kansas City Royals' pitching staff has been a topic of discussion this season, with one player in particular standing out for all the wrong reasons: Seth Lugo. The right-handed reliever has been cursed by the long ball, surrendering an alarming number of home runs in recent games. In this article, we'll delve into Lugo's struggles and explore the reasons behind his woes.
A Promising Start
Lugo began the season on a high note, showcasing his impressive skills as a reliever. His ability to throw strikes and limit walks had many pundits predicting a breakout year for the 32-year-old. However, as the season progressed, Lugo's performance took a turn for the worse. The long ball, in particular, has been his Achilles' heel, with opponents taking him deep at an alarming rate.
The Numbers Don't Lie
A glance at Lugo's statistics reveals the extent of his struggles. In his last 10 appearances, he has surrendered an astonishing 7 home runs, resulting in a bloated ERA of 6.23. This is a far cry from his usual form, which has seen him post a career ERA of 3.64. The increased home run rate is not only affecting Lugo's individual performance but also impacting the team's overall chances of winning.
Possible Causes
So, what's behind Lugo's sudden inability to keep the ball in the yard? Several factors could be contributing to his struggles:
Mechanical issues: A slight tweak in Lugo's delivery or pitch selection could be leaving him vulnerable to the long ball.
Lack of deception: Hitters may be becoming more familiar with Lugo's pitch repertoire, allowing them to anticipate and capitalize on his offerings.
Increased velocity: Lugo's fastball velocity has been up this season, which could be making his pitches more susceptible to home runs.
A Path Forward
While Lugo's recent performances have been disappointing, it's essential to remember that he is still a talented reliever. To regain his form, Lugo may need to make some adjustments to his approach. This could involve:
Tinkering with his pitch mix: Lugo may need to experiment with different pitch combinations to keep hitters guessing.
Working on his mechanics: A slight adjustment to his delivery could help Lugo regain his command and reduce the number of home runs he surrenders.
Studying the data: A deep dive into the numbers could help Lugo and the Royals' coaching staff identify patterns and trends that are contributing to his struggles.
In conclusion, Seth Lugo's struggles with the long ball are a concern for the Kansas City Royals. However, with some adjustments and a bit of fine-tuning, Lugo can regain his form and become a reliable option out of the bullpen. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Lugo responds to these challenges and whether he can overcome the curse of the long ball. For more analysis and updates on the Royals and the world of baseball, be sure to check out CBSSports.com.
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