Nathan Lukes Is Becoming Exactly What the Blue Jays Needed

When you look at the season as a whole, the Toronto Blue Jays have not had too many things go the way they had planned. In fact, they haven’t had many things go right, just in general.

After entering the season with high expectations of going a long way in the postseason, they currently sit at 56-62 and in last place in the American League East. They have turned things around a bit lately with seven wins in the last ten games.

That’s encouraging, but the truth is, they still have a significant climb if they have any chance at all in the postseason.

While Nathan Lukes hasn’t filled the headlines like some of the other players on the team this year, he has consistently shown up and deserves more recognition for the role he has played for the team this year.

Lukes has appeared in 82 games this year as a 32-year-old outfielder. He’s slashing .271/.324/.377 with a .701 OPS. He has gathered 74 hits, 11 doubles, six home runs and 21 RBI this season.

Those aren’t head-turning numbers, but they are stats that make you realize just how steady he has been all year.

Dependable Teammate

Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Nathan Lukes Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Manager John Schneider trusts Lukes and it shows up in how often Schneider turns to Lukes to fill roles. It is hard to place a value on trust when looking at stats.

He has started 68 games against opposing starters while also making 69 appearances against relievers. He is useful during all phases of the game, no matter who is on the mound. Just as important as what he does on offense, Lukes is reliable on defense. The team has turned to him to fill the role in right field for 74 games this season.

Digging into his splits shows why he continues to remain in the lineup. He is clearly better against righties, batting .297 compared to .116 against left-handers. There’s no question for Toronto as to when to maximize his offensive value.

He has also been quite a bit better away from his home field of Rogers Centre. He bats .285 on the road compared to .248 at home.

More than Stats

His recent numbers have cooled off a little bit but that does not cast a shadow on what he has done all year.

While his stats don’t demand a lot of attention, the truth is that he has consistently put together quality at-bats. He’s been dependable in the field, and he understands his role with the team. He just goes out, does his job, and doesn’t demand attention or headlines.

That says a lot about a player.

This club has dealt with enough injuries and lineup changes this year to fill multiple stories. Having a veteran who just shows up and steps in to do his job has a lot of benefit, and should get more credit.

No one expects him to carry the team or lead in home runs; they just look to him to lengthen the lineup and be a player the organization can put its trust in.

He has delivered.

A Piece Worth Keeping

The long-term outlook for this team will continue to be up-and-coming stars along with the already established superstars.

Players like Lukes are the glue that holds all that together in the background. They are what makes a team function over a long and grueling 162-game season.

If the Blue Jays are looking to turn this ship around, they need more than just star power. Just look at the season Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has had. He’s supposed to be a powerhouse star and so far, he hasn’t produced this year.

Solid defense, dependability, and just plain work have made Luke successful. The Blue Jays need that.

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