The Angels optioned Lugo to Triple-A Salt Lake on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

The Angels' recent history of aggressively promoting prospects coupled with the release of Mickey Moniak on Tuesday fueled speculation that Lugo might break camp with the big club, but Los Angeles instead elected to carry Kyren Paris as a fourth outfielder on the Opening Day roster. The 23-year-old shouldn't have to wait long to make his MLB debut, especially if he continues to produce well at the plate with Salt Lake early on in the season after he held his own during spring training. Though he struck out at 29.5 percent clip and had a 3.3 percent walk rate over 61 plate appearances in the Cactus League, Lugo hit .293 with seven extra-base hits (four doubles, three triples) and two stolen bases.

Lugo (hand) will start in left field and bat fifth in Thursday's Cactus League game against the Cubs, Jeff Fletcher of The Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lugo didn't play after Aug. 2 this past season due to a hand injury, but he received an invitation to big-league spring training and hasn't shown any signs of being limited during camp. He'll be playing in his fourth Cactus League game Thursday after going 4-for-9 with an RBI through his first three contests. The 23-year-old outfielder is one of the Angels' top prospects, but he has yet to make his MLB debut and doesn't appear to be a serious candidate for the Opening Day roster.

Lugo was re-assigned to minor-league camp Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Lugo was never really in the running for the Opening Day roster, but the Red Sox gave one of their top prospects a look at MLB camp to open the spring. After posting an .830 OPS with 18 homers and 20 steals over 117 games between High-A Greenville and Double-A Portland, it's possible the infielder could work his way into Boston's plans this summer with a hot start for the 2023 campaign.

Lugo received an invitation to major-league spring training Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Lugo isn't in the running for an Opening Day roster spot, but he can use this opportunity to showcase his skills to the big-league staff. Selected in the second round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of a high school in Puerto Rico, the 21-year-old infield prospect put up an .830 OPS with 18 home runs and 20 stolen bases in 117 games last season between High-A Greenville and Double-A Portland. There's a good amount of long-term fantasy upside in his skill set.

Lugo is hitting .313/.371/.563 with five homers, six steals and a 10:30 BB:K across 35 games for High-A Greenville.

EDGE Analysis

Lugo had a tough start to his pro career, as he didn't hit especially well in rookie ball in 2019, lost out on the canceled 2020 season, and didn't really pop in Low-A last season (.702 OPS, 15 steals). This season has been different, though, as the 21-year-old has started hitting the ball with authority. It also doesn't hurt that he's got good baseball genes as Carlos Beltran's nephew. It's time to act on him in deeper dynasty formats.