Josh Donaldson addresses speculation after locker at Rogers Centre emptied

Mark Suleymanov

Josh Donaldson addresses speculation after locker at Rogers Centre emptied image

There's an explanation for Josh Donaldson's emptied locker.

The Blue Jays' injured third baseman released a statement on Sunday that he requested the clubhouse staff to retrieve his belongings as he nears a rehab stint.

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"I want to play soon and wanted to make sure I have everything I need to do that," Donaldson said. "So I asked the staff to pack up my locker, then I can go through it."

Scott Mitchell of TSN reported on Saturday that Donaldson's locker was an empty stall with a nameplate. This raised speculation that a trade may be looming, but Donaldson cannot be dealt until he goes through waivers and to do that, he needs to begin a rehab assignment.

Former MLB general manager Steve Phillips noted that Donaldson is expected to begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Dunedin on Monday. Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins has previously indicated that Donaldson, who has not played since May 28 with a calf injury, would not require a lengthy rehab assignment. 

In 36 games this season, Donaldson has slashed .234/.333/.423 with five home runs and 16 RBIs.

The Blue Jays are reportedly waiting for Donaldson to finish a rehab stint and then place him to trade waivers when he's healthy. Atkins previously told MLB.com that Donaldson drew interest before the non-waiver trade deadline despite being on the 60-day disabled list but a deal did not materialize.

“There were a lot of discussions," Atkins said. "The challenge is, with any player that is not playing, is understanding that risk and that timeline, with not the same access to information that we have. The tolerance for that risk was the hard part to try and bridge. We had a lot of discussions about JD. We stayed in touch with Josh obviously, but it didn't end up becoming a deal."

The former A.L. Most Valuable Player will be a free agent this winter.

 

Mark Suleymanov