Blue Jays recall Nathan Lukes, option Steward Berroa to triple-A

Sportsnet Staff @SportsnetAugust 30, 2024 - 5:30pm

Toronto blue Jays centre fielder Nathan Lukes catches a fly ball for an out during a spring training baseball game against the Atlanta Braves at CoolToday Park Monday March 28, 2022, in North Port, Fla. (Steve Helber/AP)

Nathan Lukes is on his way back to the big leagues.

The Toronto Blue Jays announced Friday that they have recalled Lukes and optioned outfielder Steward Berroa to triple-A Buffalo.

Lukes, 30, made his MLB debut in 2023 with the Blue Jays, appearing in 29 games. He slashed .192/.290/.308 with a pair of RBIs while spending time across all three outfield spots.

The left-handed swinging Lukes has played in 54 games with the Buffalo Bisons this season, hitting seven home runs and slashing .333/.403/.469. He missed a significant amount of time this summer after having surgery to repair a torn UCL in his left thumb.

Lukes will be active for Friday's series opener against the Minnesota Twins and is starting in left field and batting eighth against right-hander Pablo Lopez.

George Springer is not in the starting nine, so Daulton Varsho is taking on the leadoff duties and Will Wagner will bat second.

Berroa, 25, has appeared in 24 games with the Blue Jays this season, picking up five hits and eight walks in 41 plate appearances. He made his MLB debut on June 23 against the Cleveland Guardians as a defensive replacement and picked up his first career hit on July 27 against the Texas Rangers.

You can catch Friday's game against on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET / 5:10 p.m. PT.

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