Nathan Lukes, Jonatan Clase, and Addison Barger are three Blue Jays players generating production from the bottom of the lineup. This welcoming change has been beneficial for the Blue Jays. Lukes was a player whose offense has been questioned but he’s provided the Blue Jays with many productive at-bats that have contributed to their success.
Also, Barger has played larger and shown how his role in the lineup is vital. Lastly, we have Clase, who has shown through a small sample size how his dominance in the Triple-A Buffalo earned him a call-up. In his recent performances, he has provided clutch at-bats that have shown how he has solid potential. Let’s analyze how they’ve made a significant impact on the Blue Jays with their underrated talent.
Blue Jays Bottom Order of Lineup Excelling
Nathan Lukes
At the beginning of the season, Nathan Lukes’s performance was questioned, and it was doubtful whether his presence would remain on the roster. But he’s turned his offense around and has been playing some solid baseball for the Blue Jays. From a walk-off win to clutch hitting, Nathan inevitably deserves to be in the lineup. On May 22nd, he provided a significant walk-off single to left field.
The hit allowed Daulton Varsho to score, and the Blue Jays earned a 7-6 win over the Padres. It also provided them with an important setback. All in all, his offensive output came alive through his adjustment at the plate. His aggressive approach has provided the Blue Jays with more extra-base hits (six) and a stellar OPS of .945 across his last 20 games. In his last 15 games, he has also shown more power with three home runs, eight RBI, 12 hits, and an OBP of .358.
Addison Barger
The 25-year-old has made it apparent how he comes equipped with impressive tools. His cannon of an arm was demonstrated in the Mariners series, where he earned three outfield assists. But aside from his defense, he has also shown that he has one of the fastest swings.
Barger has been hitting the ball hard with an enhanced exit velocity. He went on a stretch of hitting balls over 107 mph, illustrating his dominance with his bat. He has also shown more plate discipline by decreasing his strikeout rate and being more selective with his pitches while lowering his chase rate. Two encompassing factors that he has improved on since last season. Barger has been hitting for contact and power, showing his growth and development. Barger is commonly known for hacking away at pitches, as he is known for his power. But his adjusted approach has demonstrated more hit-for-contact, showing his ability to make necessary changes.
Jonatan Clase
The offensive outfielder has shown recently how his call-up has provided the Blue Jays with desirable offense. With runners in scoring position (RISP) this season, he has been 6-for-9. In addition, coming on as a pinch-hitter has been a role that has been utilized and proven to be effective. He’s been an optimal hitter at the bottom of the lineup with solid potential.
When he pinch-hit for Anthony Santander on May 21st, he provided a two-run double, which shows his ability to produce in high-leverage situations. In his last seven games, he has batted .316 with two stolen bases, five RBI, six hits, and four walks.
Main Photo Credits: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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