Santander in, Lukes out for Blue Jays’ pivotal finale against Rays

The Toronto Blue Jays have set their starting lineup for Game 162 — and it includes some surprises.

Anthony Santander, who is 1-for-8 since being activated from the injured list, will hit cleanup and start in right field in favour of Nathan Lukes, who’s been among the team’s strongest hitters over the current series against the Tampa Bay Rays.

But with the Blue Jays facing left-handed starter Ian Seymour, manager John Schneider appears to be leaning on platoon advantages with the switch-hitting Santander as opposed to the lefty Lukes.

Lukes is 5-for-17 over his last seven games, including a clutch home run on Friday in a win over the Rays.

Meanwhile, right-handed Davis Schneider will bat second and start at second base, while fellow righty Myles Straw draws the ninth spot while playing left field.

Kevin Gausman will start on the mound for the Blue Jays, who will win the AL East with either a victory of their own or a New York Yankees loss.

First pitch for Blue Jays-Rays is slated for 3 p.m. ET / noon PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.

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