The Royals announced they have called up pitcher Beck Way from Triple-A Omaha and claimed outfielder Matthew Lugo off waivers from the Angels. Lugo has been assigned to Omaha, and the Royals optioned reliever Eli Morgan to the Storm Chasers as well. The Royals also announced Bailey Falter has cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Omaha.
Way was part of the Andrew Benintendi trade with the Yankees in 2022. In 2023, he was the #11 prospect in the farm system, but he has struggled with his control
since then. Last year he posted an ugly 5.93 ERA in 74.1 minor league innings, but he has rebounded this year with a 4.50 ERA in 19 relief outings at Triple-A with 42 strikeouts and 10 walks in 30 innings. He has a fastball in the mid-90s with a plus slider, and occasional change up.
Lugo was originally a second round pick by the Boston Red Sox out of the Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy in Puerto Rico. He was traded to the Angels in 2024 as part of the Luis Garcia trade, and made his MLB debut last year. He appeared in 31 games with the Angels and hit .232/.243/.464 with four home runs. He was just the ninth non-pitcher since 2000 to have at least 70 plate appearances without a single walk.
Morgan appeared in 13 games and struck out 15 in 16.1 innings with a 5.51 ERA. He gave up two hits, a walk, and a run in an inning of work last night in Cincinnati. Falter was designated for assignment last week after he posted a 13.97 ERA in five games.
The addition of Way and Lugo gives the Royals a full 40-man roster.
