A Toronto Blue Jays outfielder who started off the season not even looking like he should stay on the roster has transformed. The Blue Jays’ bottom order of the lineup continues to come alive and provide clutch hits. The outfielder is included in this, and he demonstrated this in the Blue Jays’ 5-4 victory over the New York Yankees, where he recorded a hit and an RBI.

Lukes Deserves to be in the Blue Jays’ Everyday Lineup

How Lukes Has Contributed This Season

With four home runs and 26 RBI on the season, he deserves to be in the lineup every day. This is especially evident with offseason acquisition Anthony Santander remaining on the injury list. The power hitter could likely land on the 60-Day IL. The Blue Jays also recalled Leo Gimenez and optioned Jonatan Clase, which would allow for Lukes to play more in the outfield. In his last seven games, he has also recorded four RBI and has put up seven extra-base hits.

Since the beginning of the season, Lukes has made adjustments at the plate. In addition, has illustrated his contributions and worth to the Blue Jays roster. He’s been hitting more for contact, and he’s been decent with a 102 OPS+. For a fourth outfielder, that’s respectable. But if he’s an everyday corner outfielder, he could do some serious damage defensively. He’s already showcased this season how he can make solid plays similar to Daulton Varsho. Lukes has demonstrated solid defensive and offensive metrics with his arm strength and value ranking about the 76th percentile, and his walk rate, strikeout rate, and whiff rate all ranking above the 84th percentile.

Lukes Continues to Be Valuable to the Roster

Since returning from the seven-day injured list on June 20, Lukes has turned into a regular in the Toronto lineup. Overall, Lukes is handling the regular role well. The Yankees sent left-handed starter Max Fried to the mound, and the left-handed hitter Lukes played on the bench. The 30-year-old gave Myles Straw the spot in center field, who batted sixth in the lineup. Having Lukes on the bench is significant as he can come on as a pinch-hitter or runner, and while it leaves him out of the starting lineup, it still gives the Blue Jays a weapon on the bench.

Lukes Impact

As the fourth outfielder, Lukes is a compelling player who has proven his resurgence and has given several reasons why John Schneider should keep him on the roster. His defense is what has kept him on the roster despite a rocky start to his season. But with his solid defense and effective hitting with his revamped approach at the plate, he deserves to gain as much playing time as he can get. His clutch hitting and ability to make adjustments demonstrate his commitment to the team, and having him on the roster is significant.