On Tuesday morning, before their final 2023 Spring Training game, the Toronto Blue Jays revealed their 26-man roster for Opening Day this Thursday against the St. Louis Cardinals. Nathan Lukes, a 28-year-old outfielder from Portland, Ore., who has spent seven years in the minor leagues, took the final roster spot.
Infielders Otto Lopez and Vanny Capra were also in consideration for the Blue Jays’ final roster spot but were optioned to Triple-A Buffalo.
Lukes, a 28-year-old outfielder, was the final cut of last season’s Spring Training camp for the 2022 roster. He spent the entire season with the Bisons, playing all three outfield positions, winning Bison’s MVP, and posting a .789 OPS in 111 games.
After the trade of Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Teoscar Hernandez, the team knew a roster spot was open in the outfield in 2023. Lukes owned the opportunity in Spring Training, batting .286 across 47 plate appearances.
“This is a dream come true for my family,” says Lukes. “I am grateful, looking forward to this opportunity.”
Lukes has spent seven seasons in the minor leagues since being drafted by the Cleveland Guardians in 2015. In his last two seasons in Triple-A, he’s played 196 games, hitting above .290 and with 73 extra-base hits.
Yusei Kikuchi capped off his fantastic spring, securing the fifth and final spot in the Blue Jays rotation.
Here is a look at the full 26-man Opening Day roster.
Hitters:
C: Alejandro Kirk
C: Danny Jansen
1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
1B/DH: Brandon Belt
SS: Bo Bichette
3B: Matt Chapman
INF: Santiago Espinal
UTIL: Whit Merrifield
UTIL: Cavan Biggio
OF: George Springer
OF: Daulton Varsho
OF: Kevin Kiermaier
OF: Nathan Lukes
Starting Pitching:
SP: Alek Manoah
SP: Kevin Gausman
SP: Chris Bassitt
SP: José Berríos
SP: Yusei Kikuchi
Bullpen:
RP: Jordan Romano
RP: Tim Mayza
RP: Erik Swanson
RP: Yimi García
RP: Anthony Bass
RP: Adam Cimber
RP: Trevor Richards
RP: Zach Pop
BluebirdTalk.com 