Lugo will get the nod for the Mets on Friday in their Grapefruit League opener against the Red Sox, Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

The team plans to hold back their established starters at the beginning of the spring due to the extended time in camp created by the WBC schedule, affording pitchers like Lugo more chances to show they belong. The 27-year-old is fighting with Robert Gsellman for the fifth starter spot on the Opening Day roster, while the Mets wait for Zack Wheeler (elbow) to prove he's ready to take on a full workload.