Lucas Luetge warmed up on Thursday, but did not end up coming into the Yankees’ 3-2 loss to Toronto on Opening Day. When he does make his first appearance, though, it will be his first MLB outing in nearly six full calendar years – since April 25, 2015, the date of his first and only appearance that year for the Mariners.
“It’s been tough, because at some point you start doubting yourself,” Luetge said of the last few years. “Even when you’re having a good year, if you don’t get that call, you wonder if you’re wasting your time. Life is great when you’re here, and when you’re not, it’s a struggle to get back up – so now it’s just about enjoying what you’re doing, looking around and appreciating it.”
Luetge was called up by the Mariners the day before his last appearance, and optioned back to Triple-A the next day. Since then, he has spent time with the Angles, Reds, Orioles, Diamondbacks, and Athletics, spending the 2020 season at the latter’s alternate site.
The Yankees did have interest in him last winter before he signed with Oakland, as his recent repertoire changes and spin rates match up well with the Yankees’ analytic leanings.
“When I was in Seattle I was more of a two-seam guy, but I abandoned that a couple years ago and became a cutter/four-seam guy,” Luetge said. “That’s the biggest difference. Back then, two-seamers down was what everyone was doing, now it’s four-seamers up and trying to get rise on your ball.”
He finally signed this winter hoping for a chance to crack a deep bullpen at some point – and after a strong spring where he allowed just two earned runs in 10 1/3 innings, striking out 18, he put himself on the map.
“I had a great spring, and I came in ready and tried to stay doing what I’ve done the last two years, and just trust the process,” Luetge said. “Not worry about immediate results, but know that if you keep doing it, over time success will come.”
A few injuries in the Yankees’ relief corps helped open more spots, but Luetge’s performance sealed the deal, with a little help from people just getting the chance to see what he could do.
“I feel like the response from the fans helped push me or the organization to make this decision,” Luetge said. “I’ve been in smaller organizations mostly, so the bigger fan base and media presence helped get my name out there.
When you’re not on TV playing, people don’t see you – but I got eyes on me and they saw what I can do.”
And on Thursday, he entered Yankee Stadium via the home clubhouse, officially putting on the pinstripes for the first time.
“I’m trying to stay as calm as I can and act like it’s another day, even though it’s not, but at the end of the day, I have to be ready to pitch when my name is called,” Luetge said. “When you’re out of the majors for so long, you realize how quick it can go from you. While you’re up here it seems like you’ll be here forever.”
Aaron Boone was the one who made the call this week to tell Luetge he had made the team, and he was able to share the news with his wife and his parents, who had flown into town. He admitted he’s spent most of his time since then on the phone, but when the time comes for him to step on that mound, it’s an experience he won’t take for granted.
“It’s been a flurry, and my jaw is hurting from smiling,” Luetge said. “Everything I’ve been hoping for over the last five or six years finally came true, and you feel that sense of joy again. I have that appreciation now to look around and enjoy it, instead of acting cool like you don’t care.”
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