Nathan Lukes Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Blue Jays vs Tigers game on Feb 25, 2026 with our Major League Baseball injury report.Sep 14, 2023
Back in minors
The Blue Jays optioned Lukes to Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
With Matt Chapman (finger) returning from the injured list, Lukes will be pushed off the major-league roster. Lukes boasts an impressive .970 OPS through 203 plate appearances in Triple-A, but he has yet to find the same success in the majors and would likely only return to the big-leagues as bench depth.
Sep 12, 2023
Up from Triple-A
Lukes was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo prior to Tuesday's game against the Rangers.
ANALYSIS
Lukes is not in Tuesday's lineup against righty Max Scherzer. Spencer Horwitz figures to benefit from Brandon Belt (back spasms) landing on the injured list while Lukes should offer outfield depth in the short term.
Aug 18, 2023
Sent back to Buffalo
Toronto optioned Lukes to Triple-A Buffalo on Friday.
ANALYSIS
Lukes gave the Blue Jays some extra outfield depth while Kevin Kiermaier (elbow) spent 10 days on the injured list. Kiermaier has been activated in a corresponding roster move ahead of Friday's series opener in Cincinnati.
Aug 8, 2023
Recalled from Buffalo
Toronto recalled Lukes from Triple-A Buffalo on Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
Lukes has gone 4-for-21 (.190) this season at the major-league level, but he's been excellent at Triple-A and the Blue Jays need outfield depth after having to place Kevin Kiermaer on the 10-day injured list with a right elbow laceration.
Jul 19, 2023
Optioned to Triple-A
Lukes was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.
ANALYSIS
Lukes has spent more time in the majors than minors this season but has hardly played while up with the big club. Jordan Luplow is absorbing his spot on the roster.
Jul 8, 2023
Back in big leagues
Lukes was recalled by Toronto on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Lukes has spent more than two months in the majors this season but has received a total of 23 plate appearances, posting a .524 OPS. He's up to replace George Springer, who was placed on the paternity list, but probably won't play much if the pattern continues.
Jun 16, 2023
Optioned to Triple-A
Lukes was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo on Friday, Mike Wilner of the Toronto Star reports.
ANALYSIS
Lukes has been in the majors almost all season but has been used sparingly, garnering just 23 plate appearances. Spencer Horwitz is taking his roster spot.
Jun 12, 2023
Gets rare start Sunday
Lukes went 0-for-2 before being replaced by pinch hitter Santiago Espinal in Sunday's win over the Twins.
ANALYSIS
Lukes has seen very little action this season from the end of the Blue Jays' bench, and he's done little to demand a bigger role, batting just .158 (3-for-19) while mainly being used as a pinch runner or defensive replacement. The 28-year-old still has all his minor-league options remaining, but so far he's avoided being a regular passenger on the shuttle between Toronto and Triple-A Buffalo.
Apr 19, 2023
Getting first start
Lukes is starting in right field and batting ninth for the Blue Jays on Wednesday versus the Astros, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports.
ANALYSIS
It will be the first start in the majors for Lukes, who is hitless in one plate appearance. George Springer is in the designated hitter spot Wednesday.
Apr 17, 2023
Gets call-up
The Blue Jays recalled Lukes from Triple-A Buffalo on Monday.
ANALYSIS
Lukes will be back with the big club for the second time this season, though his path to playing time remains fairly blocked while all of Toronto's key regulars are healthy. Since Lukes possesses decent speed and is capable of covering all three outfield spots, most of his usage is likely to come as a pinch runner or late-inning defensive replacement while he's with the Blue Jays.
Apr 7, 2023
Optioned to Triple-a
Lukes was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo by the Blue Jays on Friday, Scott Mitchell of TSN.ca reports.
ANALYSIS
Lukes is sent down to make room for Jordan Luplow after Luplow was recalled by Toronto. The 28-year-old did not receive a plate appearance in his time with Toronto to start the year, and he should receive regular playing time as a member of the Bisons in the International League.
Mar 28, 2023
Makes Opening Day roster
Lukes has been informed that he's made the Blue Jays' Opening Day roster, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.
ANALYSIS
It will be the first stint in the majors for Lukes, who was added to the 40-man roster over the winter following a strong season at Triple-A Buffalo. The 28-year-old will back up at all three outfield spots.
Nov 10, 2022
Added to 40-man roster
Lukes was added to the Blue Jays' 40-man roster Thursday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Toronto wanted to keep Lukes in the organization this offseason and decided he's worth a spot on the 40-man roster. He appeared in 111 games for Triple-A Buffalo in 2022 and had a .285/.361/.425 slash line with 11 home runs, 61 RBI and 20 steals.
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