Blue Jays outfielder Nathan Lukes returned to play in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series against Seattle on Monday after exiting Game 1 due to a knee injury. Lukes sustained a bruised knee in Sunday’s game after fouling a ball off his right leg during a long at-bat in the first inning. Despite the injury, Lukes was back in the lineup for Game 2, batting second and playing right field.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider confirmed Lukes’ presence in the lineup, stating that Lukes received treatment and felt better on the day of the game. Lukes had experienced difficulty with mobility, leading to his replacement by Myles Straw in the previous game. Medical tests including X-rays and a CT scan showed no serious issues.
In the pitching lineup, right-hander Trey Yesavage was scheduled to start for Toronto against Logan Gilbert. However, outfielder Anthony Santander was scratched from the lineup shortly before the game due to a lower back injury. Davis Schneider was set to take Santander’s place in left field, with second baseman Ernie Clement moving up in the batting order.
Following Game 2 in Toronto, the series will shift to Seattle for Games 3 and 4, with a potential Game 5 on Friday if necessary. If further games are required, the series will return to Toronto for Games 6 and 7. The Blue Jays are aiming to reach the World Series for the first time since their consecutive championships in 1992 and 1993, making their first ALCS appearance since 2016.
