By Jayson Henderson

BOSTON — Royals manager Matt Quatraro has lobbied for Seth Lugo to start the All-Star Game for the American League. Quatraro presented his case to Rangers skipper Bruce Bochy while the Royals were in St. Louis.

Lugo, a first-time All-Star, aims to be the first Royals pitcher to start the Midsummer Classic since Bret Saberhagen in 1987. Despite a rough start against the Red Sox, Lugo’s season stats remain impressive, with an 11-3 record and a Major League-leading 2.21 ERA.

Against Boston, Lugo allowed four runs off eight hits in the first three innings, finishing with five earned runs and six strikeouts in five innings. He threw 93 pitches, struggling with location early but finding some rhythm later.

Despite this setback, Lugo’s season performance still makes a strong case for starting the All-Star Game.