Call to the pen
Fansided

Houston Astros could look into two Mets relievers for help

By Kyle Cardoza

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 27: Pitcher Robert Gsellman #65 of the New York Mets pitches in relief in an MLB baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 27, 2018 at Citi Field in the Queens borough of New York City. Pirates won 5-3. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 27: Pitcher Robert Gsellman #65 of the New York Mets pitches in relief in an MLB baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 27, 2018 at Citi Field in the Queens borough of New York City. Pirates won 5-3. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Astros
DENVER, CO – JUNE 20: Starting pitcher Seth Lugo #67 of the New York Mets delivers to home plate during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on June 20, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

Seth Lugo

Lugo still isn’t a household name, but he made a good impression at last year’s World Baseball Classic. And while he hasn’t been consistent as a starter for New York, he’s still a solid pitcher overall.

This year’s numbers support that belief.

Before being pushed into the rotation temporarily last month, Lugo owned a 1.77 ERA. Due to a few rough outings, the 28-year-old now sports a 2.79 ERA. However, the Mets hurler has made some strides this year in a new role.

As one of the team’s long relievers, Lugo posted multiple outings with at least two innings pitched and no earned runs allowed. But he also has multiple holds, being sent in for critical outs.

Lugo struggled primarily with home runs last season, and he didn’t miss many bats either.

But his current campaign has shown an improvement in those categories. The Mets pitcher strikes out more hitters than he ever has, averaging more than nine whiffs per nine innings.

Improvements in his curveball and fastball are the main reasons for that. Hitters boast a .177 average against his curve, his most thrown pitch. Meanwhile, he has more velocity and bit in his four-seam, resulting in more strikeouts and overall success.

Opposing hitters smacked just seven dingers against Lugo thus far – across 71 innings. He yielded 13 in all of last season through 101 1/3 innings. Therefore, his precision has helped keep the ball in the yard.

Lugo’s current contract is also team-friendly, which would be good for Houston. Even if the Astros must part ways with multiple players, it could be worth it.

Hence, Lugo should be deemed an option for Houston, which has coaches that can help him unleash his potential even further.

Home/Houston Astros