Lugo came away with a no-decision in Friday's 3-2 loss to the Astros, allowing one run on six hits and a walk over seven innings. He struck out nine.
The veteran right-hander delivered his 19th quality start of the season and produced his highest strikeout total since he fanned 10 Guardians on June 30, but Lugo was never in line for a win as Framber Valdez no-hit the Royals through seven innings. Despite Friday's performance, Lugo has faded in the second half under a career-high workload, posting a 4.67 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 39:14 K:BB in 52 innings since the All-Star break. He's scheduled to make his next start at home next week in a key clash with the Cleveland squad that Kansas City is trying to catch in the AL Central.