Nathan Lukes – OF
One of the last cuts of Spring Training earlier this season, outfielder Nathan Lukes was just on the outside looking in when it comes to roster space. A product of the Tampa Bay Rays system, Lukes joined Toronto this past offseason on a MiLB deal and so far in Buffalo, he is taking advantage of the situation. Through 53 games, Lukes is sporting a .302/.370/.441 slash line with four home runs, 25 RBI, and a .811 OPS (the highest of any qualified players on the squad). Defensively, Lukes has split his time between centre and right field and has four assists on the year with one error.
The Blue Jays currently feature five outfielders on the roster and it will be tough for any outfielder to crack the lineup without someone being placed on the IL or being DFA’d. If Bradley Zimmer had options available, I would guess that Lukes would be in the big leagues instead of the lefty batter but alas, the numbers game has him down in Buffalo. If Lukes can continue to play well and get reps in center field, the Jays may need to make a switch on the bench and bring up the Oregon product and DFA Zimmer and his .406 OPS.