Just as it appears the reinforcements are on the horizon, the Toronto Blue Jays are facing another injury.
Right-fielder Nathan Lukes left Friday’s series-opener against the Cleveland Guardians in the bottom of the first after hitting a leadoff double.
Lukes appeared to tweak something in his lower body as he ran to second. After he slid in safely, Blue Jays manager John Schneider and a team trainer came out to speak with Lukes before removing him from the game.
Davis Schneider came on to pinch-run and came around to score two batters later.
It was not immediately announced what forced Lukes to exit.
Lukes, who dealt with vertigo to begin the season, had been one of Toronto’s hottest hitters of late. After Friday’s double, the 31-year-old had 11 hits in his last 21 at-bats.
In 2025, Lukes slashed .255/.323/.407 with 12 homers and 65 RBIs in 135 games.
Toronto is already down outfielder Addison Barger and designated hitter George Springer, who continue to work their way back from early-season injuries.