Toronto Blue Jays' Nathan Lukes to Continue Playing Despite Exiting ALCS Game 1

TORONTO — Nathan Lukes, a key player for the Toronto Blue Jays, had to leave Game 1 of the American League Championship Series after hitting a ball off his right knee. Lukes tried to continue playing after the injury in the first inning but was taken out in the fourth. Without Lukes, the Blue Jays lose a left-handed player who has been important in the lineup alongside George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Lukes fell to the ground after hitting the ball from Seattle Mariners' pitcher Bryce Miller. The Toronto medical staff checked on him, helped him up, and Lukes stayed in the game, managing to draw a walk. After two more defensive innings and one more at-bat resulting in a fly-out, Lukes was substituted by Myles Straw.

Manager John Schneider mentioned on the FOX broadcast that Lukes would undergo further checks, likely including an X-ray. Schneider expressed hope that it was just a bruise. He stated that Lukes would play in Game 2 on Monday if medically cleared. The X-ray results were negative.

In his first full season with the Blue Jays, Lukes had a .255 batting average with 12 home runs and a 97 OPS+. Lukes' left-handed hitting style provided balance in the lineup, especially against right-handed pitchers. With the Mariners expected to use right-handed starters in the series, Lukes' presence in the lineup is crucial. If Lukes is unable to play, the Blue Jays may consider other left-handed hitters like Addison Barger or Daulton Varsho in the lineup. Defensively, Davis Schneider and Myles Straw could start in the outfield.