Despite playing just seven games in Vancouver — maintaining a .370 batting average for 27 at-bats — Boike’s talent at the plate and in the outfield was recognized, and he was promoted to the Blue Jays’ Class A Midwest League team, the Lansing Lugnuts. The Lugnuts had room for Boike when outfielder Markus Brisker was put on the seven-day disabled list.

“We’re going to get (Boike) in there and get him some playing time and see what he can do,” Lugnuts manager Mike Redmond said. “It’s a great opportunity for him. … I’m excited to get a chance to watch him play. I’ve heard a lot of great things about him.”

Arriving in Lansing on Sunday, Boike returned to familiar territory with his new team’s home ballpark, Cooley Law School Stadium, after playing in three Crosstown Showdowns — an annual exhibition game between MSU and the Lugnuts.

After living in East Lansing, he said being comfortable with the city and the stadium provides a relaxed setting in which to live and play — rather than having to adjust to a foreign city and team — and even gives him an advantage over other players.

“I’ve played plenty of games (at Cooley Law School Stadium) throughout my college career,” Boike said. “I know how the ball’s going to look out of the pitcher’s hand here and the backdrop and how to play the balls off the wall and the way the wind plays and where the sun hits.”

Because Boike isn’t entering a situation where he’s not sure what to expect, Redmond agreed that Boike returning to his comfort zone is an advantage, and it increases his likelihood of success. For local MSU fans, Redmond said it’s a great opportunity for them to see one of their own playing in his old backyard.

While at MSU, Boike finished his senior season leading the Spartans with a .384 batting average for 50 games and tied the team high of eight home runs.

MSU head coach Jake Boss Jr. — whom Boike played for during his junior and senior seasons — said his former player exemplified a well-rounded player with his athleticism, his base-running speed and not being afraid to steal bases. As a left-handed hitter, Boss said Boike knew his strike zone well and rarely struck out, earning him a spot at the top of the Spartans’ batting order.

“He runs well, he throws well, he can hit for average, he can hit for power and he deserves all the accolades he’s gotten,” Boss said. “I think his experience at Michigan State — being one of our go-to guys, especially his senior year — prepared him for what he’s about to face in pro ball.”

Although Boike wasn’t drafted out of college initially, Boss said Boike’s strong work ethic has contributed to him earning a place within Toronto’s organization.

Playing in his first game Wednesday against the West Michigan Whitecaps, Redmond is eager to see how Boike performs in a game setting. He said he encourages new players to play their own style in helping the Lugnuts win baseball games.

“At the end of the day, this is a team, and even though it’s an individual sport to some extent, these guys have already clinched a playoff spot,” Redmond said. “We’re working for a goal, and right now, (Boike) is a part of that, and I think he understands that, as well.”