It’s more tough news on the injury front for the Toronto Blue Jays. However, they may have dodged a bullet, avoiding a worst-case scenario with one of their hottest hitters of late.
Outfielder Nathan Lukes will undergo an MRI on his injured left hamstring after departing Friday’s 8-6 loss to the Cleveland Guardians in the bottom of the first inning, manager John Schneider revealed post-game.
The Blue Jays expect to learn more about the severity of Lukes’ ailment once his test results return on Saturday. But there’s at least optimism that he might be able to avoid a serious injury.
“A little encouraging that it kinda felt a little cramp-like. That was the last I heard. We’ll know more tomorrow,” Schneider said.
Nathan Lukes is headed for an MRI, per manager John Schneider. #BlueJays
But something looked wrong as soon as he left the batter’s box. The 31-year-old ran gingerly to second base and was seen in visible pain en route. Shortly after being examined by one of the club’s trainers, he left the game and didn’t return due to “left hamstring discomfort.”
Nathan Lukes leaves the game after hitting a double
🎥: Sportsnet | #BlueJays50
Davis Schneider entered the game as Lukes’ replacement, and he went 0-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored. There’s a strong chance Schneider will start in left field on Saturday, with lefty Joey Cantillo pitching for the Guardians.
This latest injury blow couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Blue Jays, who are already without Addison Barger (left ankle) and George Springer (left toe). The second of whom, however, is nearing a return and could be activated from the 10-day injured list this weekend.
Still, losing Lukes for any period of time would be yet another tough pill to swallow for an organization that’s already had to weather a giant slew of injury-related absences in the first month of the 2026 season.