Kansas City Royals right‑hander Seth Lugo returned to the bullpen Tuesday after a week on the concussion list. A 106.6‑mph line drive from Texas last week left him with a head hit that required medical clearance. Manager Matt Quatraro said Lugo felt good and will start Friday against St. Louis.

While Lugo sharpens his arm, left‑hander Kris Bubic also threw a session, but remains on the injured list with elbow soreness. Cole Ragans, still rehabbing a left elbow injury, shows lingering symptoms and stays shut down. The Royals moved Mitch Spence to Triple‑A Omaha, freeing a spot for newly acquired Connor Seabold.

With Lugo set to resume pitching, the Royals aim to stabilize their rotation before the stretch run. The move to add Seabold bolsters depth on the right side, while Bubic and Ragans remain sidelined. Kansas City’s focus shifts to maintaining healthy arms and securing a playoff berth.

The decision to activate Lugo on Friday follows a careful evaluation by the medical staff, who confirmed no lingering concussion symptoms. Meanwhile, the Royals’ front office secured Seabold from Toronto the day before, a move that hints at a broader strategy to strengthen the bullpen as the season accelerates toward the postseason.