From the Collection: Nathan Lukes, of, Toronto Blue Jays
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It only took half the season, but I finally figured out why the Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Nathan Lukes sounded so familiar. It was because he was in the Cleveland organization for a while. In fact, he is one of SEVEN players on the Blue Jays roster who are former Guards: IF Andrés Giménez, OF Nathan Lukes, UT Ernie Clement, OF Myles Straw, OF Anthony Santander, SP Shane Bieber, and RP Nick Sandlin
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Nathan Lukes was originally drafted by Cleveland in the 7th round of the 2015 draft out of Sacramento State. He was a solid hitter in the minors and projected as a 4th or 5th outfielder.
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In 2015, Cleveland traded Lukes to the Tampa Bay Rays for outfielder Brandon Guyer. Cleveland needed someone who could hit lefties to platoon with Lonnie Chisenhall, and Guyer was a known lefty-killer. It was a solid deadline deal.
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Lukes continued to put up solid numbers in the minors, and in 2021, the Blue Jays would sign him to a minor league deal with a spring training invite that winter.
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Since joining the Blue Jays, he has done nothing but hit. And with a glove that can play any outfield position, he has become an invaluable part of the Blue Jays big league club. This season, he put up a perfect 100 OPS+ with 12 HR while manning all three outfield spots.