Nathan Lukes started a rehab assignment with the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays after straining his left hamstring. He played as the designated hitter and batted second, recording two walks and a sacrifice fly in three plate appearances before being replaced by a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning. He drew a seven-pitch walk in the first inning and hit a sacrifice fly to left field in his second plate appearance. In the fifth inning, he worked a five-pitch walk. Lukes suffered the hamstring injury while running to second base after hitting a leadoff double on April 24. He had improved form before the injury, and the team expects him to play again with Dunedin before deciding whether he needs additional at-bats at Triple-A Buffalo.
"Lukes joined the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays, occupying the designated hitter spot and batting second in his return to game action. In three plate appearances, Lukes picked up two walks and a sacrifice fly before being removed for a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the seventh inning. The 31-year-old worked a seven-pitch walk in the bottom of the first inning before lifting a sac fly to left field during his second time up."
"Returning to the plate in the bottom of the fifth inning, Lukes worked a five-pitch walk, showcasing his strong eye that helped him work 38 walks, the fifth most on the Blue Jays, a season ago. Lukes suffered the injury while on his way running to second base after hitting a leadoff double in the bottom of the first inning on April 24 during the Blue Jays' 8-6 loss against the Cleveland Guardians."
"After getting off to a slow start in 2026 and dealing with a case of vertigo, Lukes was heating up the seven games prior to being hurt, batting .524 with three runs scored and six driven in. For the season, Lukes is batting .250 with eight RBIs and a .286 on-base percentage. During Blue Jays manager John Schneider's media availability on Wednesday prior to taking on the New York Yankees, he stated that Lukes is expected to play once again with Dunedin on Thursday."
"Then the club will make a decision on whether Lukes needs to head to Triple-A Buffalo for more at-bats. Last year, Lukes put together his finest season during his MLB tenure, posting career-highs in every statistical category. Lukes appeared in 135 games and batted .255 with 12 home runs and 65 RBIs. Lukes continued to chip in during the Blue Jays' run to the World Series, batting .274 with eight RBIs over 17 games."
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