Toronto Blue Jays: Josh Donaldson Adds to Growing List of Issues
By Paul Taylor
Josh Donaldson increases the problems for the struggling Toronto Blue Jays, as he will reportedly miss between two and four weeks of action.
The hits just keep coming for the Toronto Blue Jays, but it’s not the type which help you score runs. Instead, it’s an increasing catalogue of bad luck with injuries, as the team attempts to recover from the worst start in franchise history through 12 games.
First there was Aaron Sanchez, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a finger blister. J.A. Happ was then removed from his most recent start on Sunday and has since been diagnosed with an elbow inflammation, which will likely see him miss at least one start.
Now you can add Josh Donaldson to the growing list of key absences. The third baseman is expected to miss the next two to four weeks with a right calf injury, which sent him to the 10-day DL last Friday.
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The news was first reported by Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. The injury was suffered during last Thursday’s game versus the Baltimore Orioles, forcing Donaldson to leave the action in the sixth inning.
The incident occurred as the 31-year old was legging out an RBI double. As a result, he reaggravated the calf injury he originally suffered on his first day at spring training this year.
Understandably, it is a big blow to lose arguably your best player. The Blue Jays are currently looking up at every other team, with the worst record in the league.
Donaldson recently discussed his annoyance regarding the injury, with Sportsnet and other members of the media:
"“It’s very aggravating, very frustrating,” Donaldson said. “At the same time, you’ve got to try to stay as positive as possible and look to get back in the right time and make sure that everything is going to be good.”"
Ultimately, you anticipate this working out to Donaldson’s benefit in the long run. Given that the injury has been lingering for a while, an extended break should help the matter clear up once and for all.
While the 2015 AL MVP is out of action, his place will likely be taken by a combination of Darwin Barney and Ryan Goins. It will be interesting to see what kind of situation Donaldson will return to, but the Blue Jays can ill afford to suffer any more injuries to key personnel at this point.
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Obviously, it’s still very early in the season. Regardless, how does the loss of Donaldson affect your thinking about the Blue Jays’ chances this season? Share your thoughts in the comments section.