Seth Lugo is in the postseason as a key piece of the Royals starting rotation, a long way from the Mets bullpen, where he spent the majority Bob Gainey Jersey of his first seven seasons in the majors. He became a starter with the Padres after signing as a free agent a year ago and, after a succe sful season in San Diego, . This is what I strived for, Lugo said Friday at Yankee Stadium before the Royals worked out prior to Saturdays Game 1 of the ALDS in The Bronx. I put in all the work because this is what I wanted to be: To be able to throw 200 innings and now in the postseason. I put in the work, but didnt know what was gonna happen. Its been a fun ride. Seth Lugo delivers a pitch during the Royals Game 2 wild-card win over the Orioles. Getty Images Explore More The right-hander, who could start Game 3 against the Yankees in Kansas City, said he never had a chip on his shoulder about not sticking as a starter with the Mets. Maybe the opposite, Lugo said. I had to figure out if I really wanted to pursue being a starter and put in the work. Lugo understood the risk he was taking. Follow The Posts coverage of the Yankees in the postseason: It was taking a step back to take two steps forward, Lugo said of the move to going into a rotation. It was about not knowing if I could do it. I knew I could be a reliever. And enough trainers and doctors tell me my arm cant take being a starter, how many times does somebody tell you before you believe it yourself? And he doesnt worry about perhaps having proved the Mets wrong. Seth Lugo was a longtime Mets pitcher. for the NY POST The opportunity presented itself where it did, Lugo said. Whos to say what would have happened with the Mets? You never know. I dont like to look at the world that way. His All-Star season with the Royals includes a masterful seven-inning performance against the Yankees on Sept. 10, when Lugo didnt give up a run or a walk and struck out 10 in a win in The Bronx. Its been really cool to get an opportunity like this and to have this kind of year and make the playoffs, Lugo said. As a ballplayer, you do your best to do the job and hope it works out like this. Its special to be a part of. Andrei Markov Jersey