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The Toronto Blue Jays hoped to carry their momentum from last year into the new season. They made a host of signings in the offseason to bolster the team in several areas. However, the Blue Hays are crippled by injuries to several key personnel at this early stage. The team took another massive blow with Nathan Lukes becoming the latest casualty.

On Friday, the Cleveland Guardians began a three-game series on the road against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Center. Lukes was the leadoff hitter for the home team. The left-handed slugger drilled a line drive to the right field corner for a hustled double. While Nathan Lukes made it safely to second base with a slide, it became clear he was in some discomfort.

Replays showed Luke grimacing as soon as he got out of the batter’s box, but he nevertheless continued to push through for the extra-base hit. Blue Jays manager John Schneider, along with a trainer, immediately rushed onto the field. After a quick chat, they decided to remove the 31-year-old outfielder from the game.

Nathan Lukes is slashing .250/.286/.327 with eight RBIs this season. Davis Schneider replaced him as the pinch runner and took up his spot in left field. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays are already missing George Springer, Addison Barger, and Alejandro Kirk from their lineup, besides several pieces of their starting rotation.

Blue Jays Manager Shares Update On Nathan Lukes Injury

Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reported on the injury to Nathan Lukes shortly after the Toronto Blue Jays outfielder exited the game against the Cleveland Guardians in the first inning. Lukes suffered a hamstring strain, but the severity of the injury is unknown. Blue Jays skipper John Schneider shed further light on the injury after the game.

“Encouraging that it felt a little cramp-like,” Schneider said, stating that Lukes had left the ballpark to undergo an MRI.

The Blue Jays went on to lose 8-6 on Friday, with the Guardians scoring five runs in the top of the first inning before the injury to Nathan Lukes. Toronto currently occupies fourth place in the American League East with a 10-15 record.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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