Nathan Lukes breaks out of early slump amidst Vertigo symptoms vs Diamondbacks
Photo credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
It’s starting to look like Nathan Lukes is turning a corner.
The Toronto Blue Jays have been hit hard by injuries all season, and now there’s clarity around another issue, one that wasn’t widely known.
Nathan Lukes has been dealing with vertigo, a condition that helps explain his uncharacteristic struggles at the plate.
In a previous breakdown of the outfielder’s performance, the drop-off from 2025 stood out sharply. With this new information, those numbers begin to make a lot more sense.
Lukes has opened the season just 3-for-32, showing a spike in chase rate and an overall lack of consistency that hasn’t been typical for him.
Learning that he’s been battling vertigo since spring training provides important context.
The condition, which stems from inner ear issues, can cause dizziness and disorientation, symptoms that are difficult enough in everyday life, let alone when facing high-velocity pitching.
According to Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling, Lukes has experienced intermittent dizziness and nausea dating back to spring training, and was only recently diagnosed.
Despite this, the Blue Jays’ medical staff cleared him to continue playing, and the coaching staff has supported his efforts to push through the symptoms.
Lukes saw a specialist in Arizona on Friday to address the issue further and says that night's game was the best he’s felt. Treatment includes a series of head movements called the "Epley Maneuver” and medication. Club anticipates he'll continue to improve going forward.
Blue Jays could certainly use a healthy Lukes amidst their injury woes
Even with a recent three-hit performance against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Lukes is still batting just .162 on the season.
On the surface, that number doesn’t offer much encouragement, but there are signs of progress.
He spoke before the game about improvements in his condition and the effectiveness of his treatment.
The issue is linked to displaced crystals in his inner ear, and he is currently undergoing therapy designed to reposition them.
He’s also taking medication to manage the symptoms, which appears to be helping.
That progress showed in Toronto’s most recent game, where Lukes collected half of his season’s hits and contributed with strong defensive plays.
It’s an indication that he may finally be regaining his footing—something the Blue Jays could desperately use as they try to navigate a difficult stretch.
There are still concerns elsewhere on the roster. Daulton Varsho was a late scratch before the same game, raising the possibility of more missed time.
If that happens, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. would be the only remaining offensive leader from the 2025 lineup still active.
At this stage, Toronto sits with the fewest wins in Major League Baseball, even behind the Colorado Rockies.
While the long season leaves room for a turnaround, the Blue Jays could certainly use a break as they work to get healthier and back on track.
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Previously on Blue Jays Central
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6 HOURS AGO|27 ANSWERS Nathan Lukes breaks out of early slump amidst Vertigo symptoms vs Diamondbacks Do you think Nathan Lukes will get back to his 2025 form now that he is being treated for Vertigo? | ||