Originally scheduled to start on Thursday, veteran right-hander Seth Lugo was scratched with lower back tightness and was subsequently placed on the 15-day injured list. Stephen Kolek is expected to return to the big leagues and start on Saturday, according to Royals manager Matt Quatraro.

Lugo, 35, was the runner-up for the American League Cy Young Award last year after going 16-9 with a 3.00 ERA in 33 starts for Kansas City. But after posting a 2.67 ERA prior to the All-Star break, Lugo has struggled in the second half, particularly in August, when he had a 9.11 ERA in six starts.

Lugo signed a two-year, $46 million extension on July 28 with a vesting option for 2028.

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