Royals place RHP Seth Lugo on 7-day concussion injured list

Kansas City Royals pitcher Seth Lugo was placed on the seven-day concussion injured list on Friday afternoon.

Lugo was struck in the head by a 106.6 mph line drive during a Wednesday home game against the Texas Rangers. He was alert and coherent as he exited the game in the fourth inning.

The Royals were relieved he avoided significant injury. He sported a large bump on his forehead but was in good spirits after the game.

Two days later, Lugo was still dealing with concussion-related symptoms. His symptoms apparently progressed throughout the day on Friday.

“He felt a little bit worse today than yesterday,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “So we’re going to put him on the concussion IL and recall (Eli) Morgan for today to be active in the bullpen.”

Lugo was seen in the Royals’ clubhouse on Friday. As Quatraro mentioned, he was dealing with a headache stemming from the injury.

“It took a while for it to come on,” Quatraro said. “Just pressure and, you know, swelling. There’s a good knot there and the pressure is filling up a little bit.”

Lugo was slated to start Monday’s road game against the Washington Nationals. The Royals had yet to list his replacement in the rotation.

It’s possible they could utilize a bullpen game. KC is currently also without starting pitchers Kris Bubic and Cole Ragans. Both are sidelined with elbow injuries, so Stephen Kolek and Luinder Avila will need to help fill the void.

The hope is that Lugo can return soon. He underwent testing that included a clear CT scan and expressed confidence he will soon return to full strength.

“I’ve got to get some of the swelling out of my forehead,” he said Wednesday. “You know, it throbs when I bend over. So a few symptoms right now, but I feel good. Slept fine. As long as I can get some swelling out. … My hat is not too comfortable right now. So just got to deal with the minor symptoms first.”

Lugo now has time to let his symptoms subside. The Royals will monitor his progress while on the concussion list closely.

If all goes well, Lugo could be eligible to return on June 19 against the St. Louis Cardinals.