The Toronto Blue Jays placed outfielder Nathan Lukes on the 10-day injured list Saturday following a hamstring strain, marking another addition to the team’s growing list of injured players.
Lukes sustained the left hamstring injury during Friday evening’s 8-6 defeat against the Cleveland Guardians at home. The outfielder started the game’s opening inning with a double off pitcher Gavin Williams but limped into second base with obvious discomfort. Davis Schneider entered as a pinch runner, advanced to third on a fly ball, and crossed home plate on a ground out by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
After beginning this season with early struggles, going 2-for-31 while dealing with vertigo-related dizziness and vision issues, Lukes had recently found his rhythm with 11 hits over his previous 21 plate appearances. His current season statistics show a .250 batting average with eight RBIs across 52 at-bats.
The 31-year-old spent seven years in minor league baseball before reaching the majors with Toronto in 2023. Following limited appearances in just 51 games during 2023 and 2024, he became a regular starter last season, posting a .255 average along with 12 home runs and 65 RBIs in 135 contests.
Toronto responded to Lukes’ injury by promoting outfielder Yohendrick Pinango from Triple-A Buffalo. The 23-year-old prospect had been performing well in the minors, batting .288 with three homers, 13 RBIs and 10 runs through 92 plate appearances. Pinango is anticipated to serve as depth behind Myles Straw, who will likely handle most outfield duties while Lukes recovers.
The Blue Jays also transferred right-handed pitcher Yimi Garcia from the 10-day to the 60-day injured list due to his elbow condition, creating the necessary roster space.
Lukes joins an extensive group of more than a dozen Toronto players currently on the injured list this season, including designated hitter George Springer with a fractured left big toe, outfielders Addison Barger (sprained left ankle) and Anthony Santander (torn left shoulder labrum), catcher Alejandro Kirk (fractured left thumb), and several pitchers including Bowden Francis (elbow surgery), Jose Berrios (stress fracture in right elbow), Cody Ponce (torn right ACL), Shane Bieber (right elbow inflammation), and Trey Yesavage (shoulder).
However, Toronto received encouraging news regarding Yesavage, who is scheduled to return from the injured list and start Tuesday’s matchup against the Boston Red Sox.
Yesavage’s return comes after completing four rehabilitation outings in the minor leagues, though his performance showed room for improvement with a 7.50 ERA and 1.750 WHIP over 12 innings. His latest appearance lasted only 2.1 innings with two strikeouts, suggesting the 22-year-old right-hander will face pitch count restrictions in his season debut.
Toronto manager John Schneider voiced his frustration with the team’s injury situation Saturday, telling Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae, “Feels like anyone who’s playing good is not allowed to play anymore.”
Currently sitting fourth in the AL East division with a 10-15 record, the Blue Jays continued their three-game series against the Guardians on Saturday afternoon in Toronto.
