Lugo is scheduled to start Friday for Team Puerto Rico against Team USA in the WBC, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Marcus Stroman will toe the rubber for Team USA. Both Stroman and Lugo turned in strong performances in the first round, with the latter holding Venezuela to just one hit over 5.1 scoreless innings with three strikeouts. The New York Post reported last week that the Mets are strongly considering putting Lugo in the bullpen to start the year rather than keeping him stretched out as a starter at Triple-A.

Lugo is being strongly considered for a bullpen role if he does not make the starting rotation, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Robert Gsellman expected to begin the season as the fifth starter, there isn't much room for Lugo in a talented Mets' rotation. It's important to note that the right-hander came out of the bullpen nine times last season, so he could serve as a credible option for multi-inning relief appearances when needed. Although Lugo - who has allowed four earned runs over seven innings in spring ball - has long been considered a future starter, the major league experience may serve him better than opening the year at Triple-A Las Vegas.

Lugo earned the win with 5.1 shutout innings in Friday's World Baseball Classic win over Venezuela. He struck out three and allowed just one hit.

EDGE Analysis

Considering the Venezuelan lineup included Jose Altuve, Miguel Cabrera, Carlos Gonzalez and Victor Martinez, getting through over five shutout frames against this club is no small feat. Lugo is battling to become the Mets' fifth starter, and an outing like this against a lineup as good or better than some he'd face in the National League will be a major feather in his cap.

Lugo allowed two hits and struck out two in three scoreless innings during Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins.

EDGE Analysis

He kept his spring ERA at 0.00, and Lugo is making a strong early case to be the Mets' fifth starter come Opening Day. He'll likely make one more Grapefruit League appearance before heading out to pitch in the WBC for Puerto Rico.

Lugo tossed two shutout innings Friday in the Mets' Grapefruit League opener against the Red Sox, allowing no hits and walking two while striking out three.

EDGE Analysis

The strikeouts are nice to see after Lugo posted just a 6.3 K/9 in his first taste of the big leagues last year, but this early in the spring pitchers tend to be far ahead of hitters. The 27-year-old will join Team Puerto Rico for the first round of the WBC in March, before rejoining the Mets and continuing his push to win the fifth starter role.

Lugo is not being considered for a bullpen spot to begin the season if he doesn't win the fifth starter job, as the Mets want to keep him stretched out, The New York Daily News reports.

EDGE Analysis

If Lugo isn't able to beat out Robert Gsellman for the opening in the rotation to begin the season, he'll head back to Triple-A instead. Given the difficulty the rest of the Mets' rotation had staying healthy last season, any demotion might be very temporary, but with Gsellman considered the favorite to win the battle, Lugo is probably best left to the reserve rounds in most fantasy formats for now.

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.

Lugo is part of the "open competition" for the Mets' fifth rotation spot, Matt Ehalt of The Record reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old will compete with Zach Wheeler (elbow) and Robert Gsellman for the final starter spot during spring training. Lugo impressed during his brief time at the major league level last season, compiling a 2.67 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP across eight starts and nine relief appearances, but given Wheeler's pedigree and Gsellman's success during the same time period, it could prove to be a bit of an uphill climb for Lugo. He'll likely have to really stand out in his Grapefruit League outings to overcome the other two hurlers for the final rotation spot, which could leave Lugo in a swingman role to start the season.

Lugo (5-2) pitched 5.1 innings, allowing two runs on five hits and three walks while striking out two Marlins in Wednesday's victory.

EDGE Analysis

Making his eighth and final start of the season, the rookie delivered another fine outing. In his last seven starts, Lugo is 5-0 while his team is a perfect 7-0. The 26-year-old finished the year's final month with a 2.76 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 29.1 innings.

Lugo gave up three runs on four hits and two walks over five innings against the Phillies on Thursday. He struck out four and received no decision in the eventual 11-inning victory.

EDGE Analysis

Lugo has largely been a pleasant surprise for fantasy owners who plucked him off the wire upon his entry into the Mets' rotation, but his peripherals have been screaming "regression" all along. That's been coming for him gradually -- Lugo's started giving up regular homers lately (including two Thursday) after doing a great job keeping the ball in the yard early on, and he's now lasted only five frames in two straight starts. The rookie will likely end up with solid ratios in a small sample anyway, as Tuesday's start against Miami will be his final regular-season rotation turn.