Add The New York Post on Google Royals pitcher Seth Lugo left Wednesday’s game against the Rangers after taking a line drive off the head from his former Mets teammate, Brandon Nimmo.
Nimmo ran to first, but then immediately ran to check on Lugo.
The pitcher joked he would rather have him hit a home run next time.
The 85-mph pitch, which resulted in the line drive, happened in the top of the fourth inning with the Royals leading the Rangers 1-0.
There was already a large lump forming on Lugo’s forehead as he walked off the field.
Three innings after the incident, the Royals posted to X that “Lugo is doing well and will go through the appropriate protocol and testing.”
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo (67) drops to the mound after being hit by a line drive from Texas Rangers right fielder Brandon Nimmo (24), not pictured, during the fourth inning at Kauffman Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Lugo was playing well before being taken out, having thrown 3 1/3 scoreless innings with 29 strikes on 44 pitches.
Royals reliever Mason Black came into the game after Lugo’s exit and gave up two runs — one charged to Lugo when Nimmo scored — before getting out of the inning.
Lugo has started in 13 games this season and has a 3.91 ERA, 1.0 WAR and 64 strikeouts, and earned a no-decision Wednesday night
Nimmo and Lugo were drafted together by the Mets in 2011, and both made their first appearances in the 2016 season.
Texas Rangers right fielder Brandon Nimmo (24) talks with Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo (67) after his line drive single hit Lugo during the fourth inning. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect They shared the clubhouse for seven years together before Lugo moved to the Padres for the 2023 season.
Nimmo was traded to the Rangers for veteran second baseman Marcus Semien this offseason.
