**Seth Lugo’s Remarkable Late-Career Resurgence Faces Early Test Against Guardians**
After seven unremarkable MLB seasons, Seth Lugo has reinvented himself as an elite starter – first with the Padres in 2023, then as a Cy Young runner-up with the Royals last season. The 35-year-old right-hander makes his 2025 debut Saturday against Cleveland, looking to build on his breakout 16-9, 3.00 ERA campaign that earned him his first All-Star nod.
“I don’t dwell on the past,” Lugo told reporters. “You learn from mistakes more than successes. Those tough outings stick with you – that’s what drives improvement.”
The matchup favors Lugo, who went 2-0 with a 2.84 ERA against Cleveland last year. He’ll face a Guardians lineup coming off an explosive Opening Day where rookie Kyle Manzardo tied a franchise record with 4 RBIs, including a go-ahead 10th-inning double in their 7-4 win over Kansas City.
Cleveland will counter with Gavin Williams (3-10, 4.86 ERA in 2024), who owns a stellar 1.88 ERA in five career starts vs. KC. The Guardians had to adjust after originally scheduled starter Tanner Bibee was scratched due to illness.
For Kansas City, Vinnie Pasquantino’s three-run homer provided the lone offensive highlight in Thursday’s loss. “Opening Day’s special,” said Pasquantino, who played through a hamstring issue. “Haven’t won one yet, but there’s always the next game.”
As Lugo takes the mound, both teams look to establish early momentum in what could be a pivotal early-season series. The veteran’s continued evolution from reliever to ace remains one of baseball’s most compelling transformations.
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