KANSAS CITY – Royals starter Seth Lugo is headed to the injured list, two days after a scary incident when a 106.6 mph line drive hit his forehead. Lugo was in good spirits Thursday but news came on Friday that he would require a stint on the seven-day concussion IL.
“He felt a little bit worse today than yesterday, so we’re going to put him on the concussion [IL],” manager Matt Quatraro said.
Quatraro said Lugo has been battling “just a normal headache” that took time to come on.
“Just pressure, swelling,” Quatraro said. “There’s a good amount there. Pressure is going up a little bit.”
Lugo exited his start against the Rangers on Wednesday after Brandon Nimmo’s 106.6 mph line drive hit Lugo on the forehead. Lugo was able to walk off the field on his own.
With Lugo sidelined, Monday’s starter is to be determined. In the corresponding move Friday, the Royals boosted their bullpen options by recalling right-hander Eli Morgan. Morgan has made 13 appearances in the big leagues this season, posting a 5.51 ERA.
Lugo, 36, is 2-4 with a 3.86 ERA in 14 starts.
Another setback for Bubic
Royals starter Kris Bubic is facing a setback after coming out of his first rehab start on Tuesday with a shoulder issue, an injury that will prevent him from making his next expected start Sunday.
“His forearm feels good. His shoulder didn’t respond as well to the previous start,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “He’s going to see a doctor sometime this weekend and we’ll know more at that point.”
Bubic was placed on the 15-day injured list May 18, retroactive to May 15, after experiencing left elbow soreness following his May 14 start against the White Sox. At the time, he expected it to be a short IL stint, but it continues to lengthen.
He allowed six runs (five earned) on eight hits in 1 1/3 innings during a start with Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday. He threw 49 pitches (29 strikes), battling command.
In nine starts before the injury, Bubic was 3-2 with a 4.11 ERA.