Blue Jays outfielder Nathan Lukes returned to the lineup for Game 2 of the American League Championship Series against Seattle on Monday after leaving Game 1 due to a bruised knee. Lukes sustained the injury when he fouled a ball off his right leg during a long at-bat in the first inning of the previous game. Despite the setback, Lukes was set to bat second and play right field for the game at Rogers Centre.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider mentioned that Lukes received treatment and was feeling better, allowing him to play in the game. Lukes had experienced difficulty with mobility, leading to his substitution by backup outfielder Myles Straw. Schneider confirmed that Lukes underwent tests like X-rays and a CT scan, which showed no serious issues.
In the pitching lineup, right-hander Trey Yesavage was assigned to start for Toronto against Logan Gilbert. However, outfielder Anthony Santander was scratched from the lineup just before the game due to a lower back issue. Davis Schneider was named as Santander’s replacement in left field, with Ernie Clement moving up in the batting order.
The series was set to shift to Seattle for Game 3, with the Mariners hosting Game 4 and Game 5 if necessary. If additional games are needed, the series would return to Toronto for Games 6 and 7. This marks the Blue Jays’ first appearance in the ALCS since 2016 as they aim to reach the World Series for the first time since their consecutive championships in 1993.