Blue Jays Finalize Opening Day Roster, Select Lukes as 26th Man
Lukes #Lukes
Outfielder Nathan Lukes was named the Blue Jays 26th man as Toronto finalizes its 2023 Opening Day roster.
The Blue Jays have made their final roster moves of 2023 Spring Training.
Nathan Lukes was named the team’s final hitter on Tuesday, formalizing Toronto’s 2023 Opening Day Roster. Infielders Otto Lopez and Vanny Capra were also in consideration for the final bench spot but were sent to Triple-A on Tuesday.
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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 Triple-A Buffalo Bisons, playing all three outfield positions, winning the club’s team MVP, and posting a .789 OPS in 111 games. After he was added to the 40-man roster in the winter, Lukes came into 2023 hoping to finally get his shot at the top level for his MLB debut.
“I’m definitely fighting,” Lukes told Inside the Blue Jays earlier this spring. “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.”
With Lukes rounding out the final hitting spot and reliever Zach Pop earning the Blue Jays’ last pitching role, here is the 26-man roster the Blue Jays will start the year with (barring any last-minute changes):
Opening Day Hitters:
C Alejandro Kirk
C Danny Jansen
1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
1B/DH Brandon Belt
SS Bo Bichette
3B Matt Chapman
INF Santiago Espinal
INF/OF Whit Merrifield
INF/OF Cavan Biggio
OF George Springer
OF Daulton Varsho
OF Kevin Kiermaier
OF Nathan Lukes
Opening Day Pitchers:
SP Alek Manoah
SP Kevin Gausman
SP Chris Bassitt
SP José Berríos
SP Yusei Kikuchi
RP Jordan Romano
RP Tim Mayza
RP Erik Swanson
RP Yimi García
RP Anthony Bass
RP Adam Cimber
RP Trevor Richards
RP Zach Pop
The Blue Jays reassigned Capra and optioned Lopez to Triple-A on Tuesday, finalizing the 26-man roster the team will take to St. Louis for Thursday’s opener. Chad Green, Hyun Jin Ryu, and Mitch White all remain on the Blue Jays’ current MLB roster, but all three pitchers are expected to start the season on the injured list. The Jays play one final Spring Training game on Tuesday against the Phillies.