Red Sox prospect Matthew Lugo '100%' locked in during hot start, trying new position
It would be hard to find a hitter in all of the MiLB who is doing more damage than Matthew Lugo. Throughout the entire minor leagues, among hitters who have had at least as many plate appearances as him (82), he has the third-highest OPS at 1.165 and holds the highest WRC+ at 220.
It’s been a massive difference in production for Lugo this year compared to last. That can largely be attributed to some changes he made.
“My routine has been different, my approach has been different, my habits that I’m creating in the cage and before the game to prepare myself have been different,” Lugo said.
Last year, Lugo slashed just .242/.297/.381, with just 5 home runs. Coming into play on Thursday night, his slash line was .333/.415/.750 with 7 home runs.
“Last year I would expand the zone a lot, I would get myself out,” Lugo said. “This year, creating a routine of swinging and attacking the pitches where I do damage has helped me.”
In terms of the approach, Lugo said he feels he does his best damage on the fastball, but is more focused on pitch location.
“I just want to be on time with the fastball,” Lugo said. “More so, it’s about being ready to hit that middle-in location.”
During the 2023 season, the former shortstop converted primarily to being a left fielder and third baseman. Prior to 2023, Lugo had never played the outfield in a professional game.
“I do feel a little more comfortable in left than at third,” Lugo said. “At third the game speeds you up a little bit, it’s the hot corner and guys hit the ball hard.”
Lugo also said that he started working out in right field and will likely soon be playing there in game. With improvements in left field, it makes sense for both the organization and Lugo to try the opposite outfield corner.
So far this year, Lugo has usually been the guy getting the big hit in late innings. In at-bats from the seventh to ninth inning, he is batting 12-23 with two home runs, three doubles, and 11 RBI.
“It feels great to help the team win,” Lugo said. “Throughout my entire career, I feel like my best at-bats come later in the game, so maybe that’s why I’ve been coming up clutch.”
Lugo says in general this is 100% the most locked in he has been at the plate. Coming fresh off a 23rd birthday on Thursday, he will look to keep his pace tonight as the Sea Dogs continue their series against the Binghamton Rumble Ponies.
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