Chicago Cubs: Checking in on last season’s Rule 5 draft additions

Chicago Cubs: Luis Lugo, LHP, Tennessee Smokies

Similar to Vargas, Luis Lugo began his career in the Cubs’ organization at Class-A Advanced Myrtle Beach. Dissimilar to Vargas however, Lugo has managed to pitch well enough to earn a promotion to Double-A Tennessee where he has made six starts for the Smokies.

Lugo is a bit older at 25 years old and was initially picked up by the Cleveland Indians in 2011. While in Cleveland, Lugo had a few impressive seasons with his best season coming in 2013 for the Class-A Short Season Mahoning Valley Scrappers, where he posted a 1.97 ERA across 11 starts.

Last season, Lugo signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals. He made eight appearances and four starts for the Double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Lugo finished with a 4.18 ERA, and unfortunately gave up a ton of home runs.

Since coming to the Cubs organization, it has been smooth sailing for Lugo. In seven starts for Myrtle Beach, Lugo pitched to a 3.80 ERA and was able to cut down his home run rate. After being called up to Tennessee, Lugo has managed a 3.09 ERA through six starts. His walk rate, FIP, and xFIP are all up yet that is to be expected with the increase in competition.

In his previous three games which include two starts, Lugo has thrown 12 2/3 innings, allowing a mere two earned runs and only one home run. He also has 12 strikeouts through that span and only four walks. Lugo possesses a high knee kick to generate power and shows quality deception in his delivery. While he probably will never morph into a consistent starter for the Cubs, it does not mean he couldn’t find success in his future out of the bullpen.