The Toronto Blue Jays were hit harder than any team in baseball by injuries throughout April. The setbacks did not just affect their All-Stars, they also wiped out key depth pieces, including outfielder Nathan Lukes.
The 31-year-old was placed on the 10-day injured list on April 25 with a left hamstring strain after pulling up in discomfort while running to second base on a double the night before.
It was already a frustrating season for Lukes before going down, who had also dealt with recurring migraines that contributed to a slow start.
But just before the injury, he was finally heating up, posting a .500 batting average, .524 on-base percentage and 1.224 OPS over his last six games.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Now, Lukes is working toward a return, and the Blue Jays received a positive update on his status. Entering Saturday, Lukes had missed seven straight games, but he took an important step forward in his recovery.
According to Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet, Lukes resumed hitting in the batting cages on Friday at the organization’s complex in Dunedin, Florida.
While he remains several days away from beginning a running progression, the biggest hurdle for any hamstring injury, this marks his first return to baseball activities since landing on the IL.
Getting Lukes back would lengthen Toronto’s lineup and restore a valuable left-handed bat who can play all three outfield spots. If he continues progressing without setbacks, a return sometime in May is realistic.
Lukes played a major role during last year’s run to the World Series and remains an important part of the organization’s long-term plans. With the Blue Jays beginning to turn their season around and climbing the American League East standings, getting Lukes healthy again will only make that path easier.
