Outfielder Makes Blue Jays Opening Day Roster After Seven Seasons In The Minors

Nathan Lukes, a 28-year-old outfielder, has secured a spot on the Toronto Blue Jays' Opening Day roster, completing his journey from minor league player to major league debutant.

Lukes impressed the Blue Jays' coaching staff with his strong defensive abilities in the outfield, coupled with his impressive hitting performance during the Spring Training season.

Nathan Lukes has won the 26th job for the #BlueJays, manager John Schneider told us. The first big-league assignment for the outfielder

— Kaitlyn McGrath (@kaitlyncmcgrath) March 28, 2023

After being added to the 40-man roster in the winter, Lukes worked hard throughout the Spring Training season, determined to earn a spot on the team's final roster. He beat out Otto Lopez and Vinny Capra for the final bench spot, and secured his place as the team's fourth outfielder.

Lukes had been a standout performer for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons in 2022, where he played all three outfield positions and was awarded the team's MVP award after a stellar season.

With a .789 OPS in 111 games, Lukes had shown his ability to perform at a high level consistently, leading to his call-up to the major leagues.

Nathan Lukes got tapped on the shoulder yesterday after the game and was brought into Schneider's office where the manager and GM told him he made the #BlueJays. "Just straight to the point. It was nice. Schneider and Ross all had good things to say, so it was awesome," he said.

— Kaitlyn McGrath (@kaitlyncmcgrath) March 28, 2023

Despite some injury concerns with key players, the Blue Jays are confident in Lukes' abilities to contribute as a backup for all three outfield positions and help the team succeed in the upcoming season.

Lukes is finally ready to make his MLB debut after laboring for seven seasons in the minors. Overall, he holds a .277/.340/.401 triple-slash line, with 34 home runs, 267 RBIs, 60 stolen bases and 315 runs scored across 626 career minor-league games. Photo Credit:  Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports