N.Y. Mets to add former diamond Gent Seth Lugo to roster
SHREVEPORT, LA — Former Centenary Gent Seth Lugo (2008-2011) will join the N.Y. Mets 25-man roster, according to a report from the Mets on Thursday, June 30.
When he toes the rubber in a major league game, Lugo will become the sixth Gent to play Major League Baseball, joining Al Baird 1917-19, Harry Davis 1932-33, Ralph Hamner 1947-49, Cecil Upshaw 1966-69 and 1971-75, and BJ Ryan 1999-2009.
"I am so happy for Seth because I know how much he has done over the years. When he is not in the playing season, he is working out at Centenary or talking baseball in my office," said Centenary head baseball coach Mike Diaz. "I told him this morning how proud we are of him, and he has earned every ounce of success he has garnered thus far."
Added Coach Diaz, "It is awesome to have Seth representing Centenary baseball in the big leagues."
Drafted in the 34th round of the 2011 MLB draft by the Mets, Lugo has a 28-22 overall record with a 4.26 ERA. Throwing in single-A in 2013 and 2014, he started with Double-A Binghamton in 2015 and finished the season with Triple-A Las Vegas of the prestigious Pacific Coast League (PCL). In 19 appearances for the Las Vegas 51's so far this year, Lugo holds a 3-4 record with a 6.55 ERA.
From the plate this season with the 51's, Lugo drove in the first run of his professional career.
In his three seasons with Centenary, Lugo recorded an 8-13 record with four saves and 5.31 earned runs. He appeared in 37 games with 24 starts, allowed 115 runs (89 earned), and struck out 137. In 2010, he received Second Team All-Conference accolades from the Summit League.
Other former Gents in Minor League Baseball include Taylor Henry (2012-15), James Hoyt (2008-10), and Boone Whiting (2008-10). A 2015 draftee by the N.Y. Mets in the 21st round, Henry has appeared in five games in relief for single-A Brockport. In 8.1 innings of work, he is 1-0 with a save. He has allowed no runs on four hits and one walk while striking out five.
Hoyt has been an integral part of the pitching staff as a closer for the Houston Astros-affiliated triple-A Fresno Grizzlies pitching staff in 2016. In 34 appearances, he holds a 3-3 record with 19 saves in 20 opportunities and a 1.88 ERA. In the one game where he did not convert the save, Hoyt grabbed the win at El Paso May 6. In his last eight appearances, he has eight saves in 8.2 innings of work. During that stretch, the lone run Hoyt surrendered was a solo home run. He also fanned 14 in 26 outs during that span, including twice striking out the side to end the ballgame.
Whiting is currently with single-A Potomac, a Washington Nationals affiliate. In 12 starts for the Potomac Nationals, he is 8-2 with a 3.47 ERA in 72.2 innings pitched. Whiting originally was drafted in the 18th round of the 2010 MLB draft by the St. Louis Cardinals.