Nathan Lukes Forcing Blue Jays' Hand in Spring Training

DUNEDIN, FL— Nathan Lukes was barely awake when he got a call from an unsaved number.

Lukes recognized the Toronto area code, but figured it was just another spam call—probably about his "expired warranty". In the early hours of that November Friday, Lukes decided to pick up just in case.

The unsaved number was Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins, calling to let Lukes know the club had added him to the 40-man roster. The call was a long-awaited reward after a 2022 season that frustrated Lukes at times. He was the final cut in Spring Training and never got the in-season call-up despite being the Triple-A team's MVP.

But that call from Atkins was recognition of his year and it tore down one of the final hurdles between Lukes and an MLB debut. With Atkins' number now saved in his phone, Lukes is hoping to get the big league call at some point this year.

"Just trying to force their hand this year," Lukes said.

In 2022 Spring Training, Lukes was Toronto's most productive player. The lefty hit .400, swatted five extra-base hits, and posted the highest OPS (1.147) of any Blue Jay who played at least 10 games. After seven years of minor-league baseball, he was on the brink of the big leagues. But three days before Opening Day, Lukes was Toronto's final cut, losing out on the 26th roster spot to utility man Gasuke Katoh.

"I tried not to let it affect me," Lukes said. "I went down to Buffalo and just tried to be myself, do what I do best."

Prior to 2021, Lukes made a swing adjustment to maximize how long his barrel was slashing through the strike zone. The results—which transferred into 2022—were more balls in play, fewer strikeouts, and extra opportunities on the bases. The 28-year-old carried his strong 2022 spring into the Triple-A season, leading the Bisons in RBI and qualified OPS.

"I'm sure he was disappointed when he came back [to Buffalo]," Bisons manager Casey Candaele said. "But he didn't show it ... If he held anything, he didn't show anything."

With contact, power, and plus defense at all three outfield positions, Lukes is a "complete player" Blue Jays Manager John Schneider said. But, all the tools weren't enough to earn him an MLB shot last year, so he's looking to show more.

Lukes had Zack Wheeler timed flawlessly in the second inning of a spring game at TD Ballpark this week. As soon as the starter pushed home, Lukes was off to second and gliding in with what would've been his first stolen base of the spring. Except, Blue Jays prospect Zach Britton roped a drive into right field that took the SB off Lukes' record, but allowed him to keep chugging around the bases for a run scored.

Lukes efficiently stole 20 bases at Triple-A last year, and basepath speed is just one more tool he's trying to flash this spring. In 2022, it seemed like Lukes did everything he could to make the big league club and he feels he's good enough for the next level, he said. 

There aren't many MLB spots up for grabs this spring, but Lukes is once again in the conversation for Toronto's final roster spot. It'll probably come down to the final few days of camp, just like last year, but Lukes is hoping things break differently in 2023. He's hoping the next call he gets from Atkins is informing him he's heading to the big leagues.

"I'm definitely fighting," Lukes said. "Gonna keep on fighting all year. Even if it doesn't happen out of spring, I'm gonna keep doing my thing. Keep fighting for a spot."