Yankees' potential postseason lineup dominated by Seth Lugo in loss to Royals

NEW YORK — With their top prospect now in the mix, the New York Yankees debuted a lineup that many expect to see in the postseason on Tuesday.

With a righty pitching for the Kansas City Royals, Aaron Boone penciled in Gleyber Torres-2B, Juan Soto-RF, Aaron Judge-CF, Austin Wells-C, Giancarlo Stanton-DH, Jazz Chisholm Jr.-3B, Jasson Domínguez-LF, Anthony Rizzo-1B and Anthony Volpe-SS. Fans, often outspokenly critical of the club’s lineup construction, seemed to universally approve the order, at least on social media.

Seth Lugo, Kansas City’s starter, didn’t seem to mind the lineup either, as he blanked the Bombers for seven innings in 5-0 win for the Royals.

The ex-Met was at his best back in New York, striking out 10 and walking none over 105 pitches. Lugo, a first-time All-Star this season, only permitted three hits as well.

For one stretch, he retired 17 straight following a game-opening single from Torres.

While Lugo dismantled the Yankees in a potential playoff preview, the Royals chipped away at Marcus Stroman.

The righty permitted three earned runs over 5 1/3 innings, with the first coming on a Bobby Witt Jr. single in the third inning. Salvador Perez quickly followed up with an RBI single.

The catcher, who had three RBI in Monday’s game, added another RBI single in the fifth.

Stroman, who also tallied seven hits, two walks, four strikeouts and 89 pitches, stopped the bleeding there. However, Mark Leiter Jr.’s struggles continued in the seventh when Tommy Pham ripped a solo homer.

Leiter has now surrendered at least one earned run in eight of his 16 appearances with the Yankees following a pre-deadline trade from the Cubs.

Maikel Garcia provided another run for the Royals with a sacrifice fly in the eighth.

With the series split, the Yankees, now 83-62, and Royals, will play a rubber match on Wednesday night. Luis Gil will make his second start since coming off the injured list, while Cole Ragans will throw for Kansas City.

Ragans, a lefty, may inspire some tweaks to the Yankees’ lineup.

____