The Toronto Blue Jays have been up-and-down recently, winning two out of three games against the Atlanta Braves after splitting two against the Baltimore Orioles, winning three of four against the Boston Red Sox, and getting swept by the New York Mets.
However, these are good times in Toronto, as it’s just one game behind the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East and recently locked up superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on a 14-year, $500 million contract extension.
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Now, the Blue Jays (11-8) are getting even more good news that’ll help them get through Daulton Varsho’s (shoulder) injury.
Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Nathan Lukes (38)© Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Outfielder Nathan Lukes will be reinstated from the Paternity List and will be active against the Seattle Mariners on Friday night, via the team.
The 30-year-old is hitting .167 with three RBI and a .519 OPS in 12 games this season.
Lukes flashed potential last season when he slashed. 303/.371/.447 with one homer and 10 RBI in 22 games. The five-foot-11-inch, 180-pounder is Varsho’s backup in center field, who has yet to play this season.
The Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) drafted Luke in the seventh round of the 2015 MLB Draft before trading him to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2016. He then signed a minor league contract with Toronto in 2021 and made his big-league debut in 2023.
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The Blue Jays will host the Mariners (10-9) for three games before going on the road to play the Houston Astros and New York Yankees. After that, they’ll host the Boston Red Sox and Guardians.
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