Royals Promote Beck Way, Claim Matthew Lugo Off Waivers

The Kansas City Royals have made significant roster moves, calling up pitcher Beck Way from Triple-A Omaha and claiming outfielder Matthew Lugo off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels. Lugo has been assigned to Omaha, while reliever Eli Morgan has been optioned to the Storm Chasers. In another move, Bailey Falter has cleared waivers and will also be heading to Omaha.

Beck Way, acquired in the Andrew Benintendi trade with the Yankees in 2022, was ranked as the #11 prospect in the Royals’ farm system last year. After struggling with his control, leading to a 5.93 ERA over 74.1 minor league innings in 2022, Way has shown signs of improvement this season. He has posted a 4.50 ERA in 19 relief appearances at Triple-A, striking out 42 batters while walking 10 in 30 innings. Known for his mid-90s fastball and a strong slider, he also features an occasional changeup.

Matthew Lugo, a second-round pick by the Boston Red Sox from the Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy in Puerto Rico, was traded to the Angels in 2024 as part of the Luis Garcia deal. He made his MLB debut last year, playing in 31 games for the Angels and batting .232 with four home runs. Notably, Lugo became only the ninth non-pitcher since 2000 to accumulate over 70 plate appearances without drawing a walk.

Eli Morgan had a challenging stint with the Royals, appearing in 13 games and recording 15 strikeouts over 16.1 innings, but finishing with a 5.51 ERA. His last outing in Cincinnati saw him give up two hits, a walk, and a run in just one inning. Meanwhile, Bailey Falter was designated for assignment after struggling with a 13.97 ERA over five games.

With the additions of Way and Lugo, the Royals now have a full 40-man roster, setting the stage for potential future moves as the season progresses.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.