Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Las Vegas 51s:

Slugger Chris Lubanski back on track after hamstring injury

Chris Lubanski

Associated Press

Chris Lubanski legs out a triple for the Toronto Blue Jays during a spring training game in March against the Baltimore Orioles. Lubanski, a former first round pick of the Kansas City Royals, is currently with the Las Vegas 51s, the Blue Jays’ top minor league affiliate.

Sun Coverage

Chris Lubanski finally is healthy.

The Las Vegas 51s outfielder was limited to 36 games last year after tearing his hamstring, but has shown no lingering influences of the injury in the first two months this spring.

Lubanski is batting .297 with 10 home runs and 23 RBIs through 47 games and showing flashes of the potential that made him the fifth-overall selection of the 2003 draft by the Kansas City Royals.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Lubanski realizes he should be in the major leagues at this point in his career, not still waiting for his first big-league promotion in his eighth professional season.

But you won't hear the 25-year-old complain.

"I'm just happy to have the opportunity for a fresh start and to show a new organization what I am capable of," Lubanski said. "Last year was such a strain on me physically and mentally. It's good to be able to start from scratch."

Lubanski struggled with Kansas City's Triple-A affiliate in Omaha, Neb., last year, batting only .227 with two home runs in 132 at-bats in a disappointing end to his tenure with the Royals.

He went from being pegged as one of the organization's top prospects to a first-round bust. Now, with the Toronto Blue Jays organization — the 51s are Toronto's Triple-A affiliate — Lubanski is approaching the game differently.

"I can't dwell on the past," Lubanski said. "I know I have the ability to play (in the big leagues). God has put me here for a reason."

Lubanski has 101 minor league home runs, including 28 long balls and 116 RBIs in 2005 as a 20-year-old in high-A ball for the Royals.

He has proven still to be a capable power hitter. He's second on the team in home runs and doubles (13), and first with a slugging percentage of .594.

"When you get someone with as much power as he has it is fun to watch," Las Vegas manager Dan Rohn said.

51s fall to Tacoma

Las Vegas (21-31) surrendered six runs in the final two innings Monday, falling 7-4 to the Tacoma Rainiers.

After winning the opener of the four-game series Friday, the 51s were defeated the last three days.

Adam Calderone led Las Vegas with three hits, including a solo home run in the sixth inning, in his first game with the 51s after being promoted from Double-A New Hampshire.

Las Vegas starter Brad Mills gave up one run in seven innings with five strikeouts, but received a no-decision after the bullpen squandered the lead.

Hauck, Kruger to throw out first pitch

UNLV football coach Bobby Hauck and basketball coach Lon Kruger will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Cashman Field when the 51s open a four-game series with the Fresno Grizzlies.

The coaches will sign autographs at the stadium from 6 to 6:30 p.m.

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