Lugo struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Saturday to record his third save of the season in a 4-1 win over the Royals.

EDGE Analysis

After coughing up six runs over 2.1 innings in his prior two appearances, Lugo bounced back in strong fashion. All three of his saves have come since July 26, but Edwin Diaz also has three saves in that time despite his own struggles, and the Mets' closing picture remains somewhat fuzzy.

Lugo (3-5) was the pitcher of record in Wednesday's 6-4 loss to the Braves after retiring only one of the seven batters he faced and allowing five runs on five hits and a walk.

EDGE Analysis

Just as he had started to gain a foothold as a potential top closing candidate for the Mets, Lugo imploded in what was by far his worst outing of the season. It's worth noting that Lugo entered the game in the seventh, with manager Mickey Callaway relaying afterward that he had planned on using the right-hander for two innings before turning to a matchups-based combination of Edwin Diaz and Justin Wilson in the ninth inning, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Lugo's usage Wednesday coupled with Callaway's comments offer further evidence that the Mets' closing situation is truly in flux, though Diaz and Lugo still look like the better speculative options for saves than Wilson.

Lugo will remain in a high-leverage rather than a strict ninth-inning role, but Mets manager Mickey Callaway suggested Sunday that the right-hander would see regular save chances going forward, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Callaway has been reluctant to brand anyone but Edwin Diaz as the team's closer, but after Diaz got bypassed for a save chance Saturday in favor of Lugo working a second inning, the writing was on the wall. He's certainly earned the opportunity to close -- since the beginning of July, Lugo has posted a stunning 0.51 ERA, 0.28 WHIP and 22:1 K:BB through 17.2 innings while compiling two wins, two saves and seven holds in 15 appearances.

Lugo struck out through two scoreless and hitless innings to record his second save in a 5-4 win over the Marlins on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Lugo was phenomenal in holding the two-run lead and nailing down his second save of the season. Lugo hasn't allowed a run or hit in his last 10 innings of work. The 29-year-old has a 2.59 ERA and 72 strikeouts through 44 games.

Lugo struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Friday to record his first save of the season in a win over the Pirates.

EDGE Analysis

Mets manager Mickey Callaway was reluctant to use Edwin Diaz (toe) after the closer was struck by a comebacker Thursday, and Lugo has no issues getting the job done in his place. Should Diaz be dealt at the trade deadline, Lugo could well be the next man up in the ninth for the club given Jeurys Familia's season-long struggles.

Lugo (4-2) picked up the win in Tuesday's victory over the Yankees, walking one batter in a scoreless eighth inning.

EDGE Analysis

The Mets were down 2-1 when Lugo entered the game but rallied for three runs in the bottom of the eighth, putting him in the win column. It was an encouraging outing after the right-hander had been tagged for at least two runs in each of his last three appearances. Lugo now sports a 3.51 ERA and 53:13 K:BB through 41 innings on the season and has also collected 11 holds.

Lugo (3-2) allowed two runs on four hits in 1.2 innings, striking out three and walking none to to take the loss against the Braves.

EDGE Analysis

Called on to protect a 4-3 lead, Lugo threw a scoreless seventh inning before running into trouble in the eighth. After retiring Josh Donaldson to open the frame, the right-hander allowed homers on consecutive pitches to Nick Markakis and Austin Riley to give up the lead. Lugo has now given up seven earned runs in his last three appearances, raising his ERA to 3.60 and his WHIP to 1.20 through 40 innings this season.

Lugo (3-0) struck out one in a perfect eighth inning Thursday to record the win over the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander has tossed three straight scoreless outings since coming off the IL at the end of May. Lugo remains a key part of the Mets' bullpen, posting a 2.76 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 36:7 K:BB through 29.1 innings with seven holds in 22 appearances.

Lugo (shoulder) was activated from the 10-day injured list Friday.

EDGE Analysis

After receiving additional treatment and undergoing one final evaluation, the Mets have given Lugo the green light to come off the injured list. He missed just one day over the minimum while dealing with tendinitis in his right shoulder.

Lugo (shoulder) is hopeful to be activated from the 10-day injured list Friday, though he still has to undergo more treatment and be re-evaluated to ensure he's healthy, Justin Toscano of The Bergen Record reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lugo was sent to the injured list May 20 due to tendinitis in his right shoulder, but he's closing in on a return to action. Assuming his evaluation goes well Friday, he should be activated from the shelf in time for the Mets' series opener with Arizona.