Toronto Blue Jays make surprising lineup changes ahead of game 162 against Rays

The Blue Jays, now one win away from their first American League East title since 2015, have both hands on the wheel entering today's game on the final day of the season.

Toronto holds the tie-breaker and with a win this afternoon, the Blue Jays clinch not only the division, but a bye to the ALDS.

With that in mind Anthony Santander is in and Nathan Lukes is out.

Considering how Lukes has performed in the last few weeks makes this move very surprising in such a pivotal game.

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 Rays.

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.

Would you rather have Nathan Lukes in the starting Lineup or Anthony Santander in such a pivotal game?

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