Josh Donaldson played in his first professional baseball game since May 28 on Tuesday night, and the former American League MVP didn't miss a beat in his return.
Donaldson, recovering from a strained left calf muscle, began his rehab assignment with the Dunedin Blue Jays — Toronto's High-A affiliate. While he was forced to await the rain to subside, Donaldson finally assumed his regular spot on the hot corner. He finished the night 1-for-3 at the plate during Dunedin's loss to the Palm Beach Cardinals.
Cardinals' starter Ian Oxnevad walked Donaldson on a full count during the latter's first at-bat of the game. The 32-year-old, however, made an impact two innings later when the Blue Jays were clinging to its one-run lead
Donaldson has knocked in 316 runs in four seasons with Toronto. After Logan Warmoth started the third inning with a triple, Donaldson displayed his prowess at the plate to extend Dunedin's lead, scoring Warmoth on an RBI single. The third-baseman's night was finished in the bottom
Logan Warmoth opens the third with a triple, his second extra-base hit of the night, and Josh Donaldson brings him home with a line drive single to left!
— Dunedin Blue Jays (@DunedinBlueJays) August 29, 2018
Exit velo on that laser off the bat of Donaldson: 110 mph. For those of you in Canada, that's 177 kph (according to Google).
The third-baseman's night was finished in the seventh inning as teammate Nash Knight served as a pinch-hitter for Donaldson. For however long Donaldson's rehab stint lasts, it's an opportunity for teams to become reacquainted with the Blue Jay. Donaldson is still a viable candidate for Friday's waiver trade deadline, which is the last day a player could be eligible for the postseason.
The Blue Jays reportedly "want Donaldson gone," according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
MORE: Josh Donaldson inches closer to return for Blue Jays
TSN's Steve Phillips expects Toronto to place Donaldson on waivers by the time Wednesday rolls around. If a team claims Donaldson off waivers, Toronto will be able to work out a trade involving Donaldson. Phillips cites Donaldson's substantial contract as a reason why he could go unclaimed.
Donaldson, who is a free agent after the season, could become the most notable name available for any team hoping to make a postseason push. While he progresses through his rehab assignment, there's no guarantee that Donaldson's next game in the MLB is with Toronto.