TORONTO – Three innings after taking a foul ball off his right knee in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series, Blue Jays right fielder Nathan Lukes exited in the top of the fourth inning on Sunday night.
As part of his 12-pitch plate appearance in the bottom of the first inning against Mariners starter Bryce Miller, Lukes fouled off a fastball that hit directly on his right knee, causing him to fall down and receive a lengthy visit from Blue Jays athletic trainer Jose Ministral and manager John Schneider.
Lukes eventually stayed in the game, fouling off another fastball before taking the 12th pitch and drawing a walk. The Blue Jays weren’t able to capitalize further after George Springer’s leadoff home run, with Lukes only advancing to second base on Addison Barger’s walk in the first inning.
Lukes fought to stay in after the inning, even taking his at-bat in the third, flying out to left field. But Lukes didn’t run out to the outfield for the top of the fourth, with Myles Straw taking over in right. Lukes will get an X-ray to determine the severity and the next steps, Schneider said on the FOX broadcast.
“He’s about as tough as they come,” Schneider said. “Obviously, wanted to stay in. We wanted him to stay in. We’re going to get him checked out, probably get an X-ray. Right now, it looks more like a bruise. Hopefully that’s the case. But I think if anyone’s going to be ready to go tomorrow, if he’s physically allowed to, it’ll be Nate.”
Lukes, 31, has been an everyday player for the Blue Jays, especially late in the season and in this postseason run. They need him, too, after he hit .333 in the AL Division Series and posted a .730 OPS across 135 games this season.
