The Toronto Blue Jays will look to even the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners in Game 2, with Nathan Lukes shaking off a tough injury.
The outfielder was named in the starting lineup despite exiting Game 1 after fouling a ball off his right knee in the first inning. First pitch on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ is scheduled for just after 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT.
He’ll line up in right field and bat second for the Jays.
Despite dropping to the dirt in obvious pain, Lukes finished his at-bat with an impressive 12-pitch walk. He remained in the game for two more innings before being removed in the fourth due to a knee contusion.
Fortunately for the Blue Jays, X-rays and a CT scan reportedly came back negative for a fracture.
Lukes has a .308 batting average in the post-season so far with five RBI.
On the mound, the team will hand the ball to their dynamic rookie, Trey Yesavage.
The 22-year-old, who rocketed through the minor league system this season, is coming off a historic post-season debut in the ALDS. In Game 2 against the New York Yankees, Yesavage was dominant, setting a Blue Jays franchise record with 11 strikeouts over 5.1 hitless innings.
Yesavage will face a tough test against the Mariners’ powerful lineup, led by Game 1 hero Cal Raleigh. Opposite him on Seattle’s mound will be righty Logan Gilbert.
