Blue Jays: Josh Donaldson to the 10 Day DL, Teoscar called up

The Blue Jays announced that they’ve placed Josh Donaldson on the 10 day disabled list to rest his ailing shoulder, and have promoted Teoscar Hernandez.

Fans of Teoscar Hernandez got some exciting news on Friday afternoon when he appeared in Cleveland and starting taking batting practice. Unfortunately his promotion to the big league club means someone else has to go, and that someone is former AL MVP, Josh Donaldson.

As you’re likely aware of by now, Donaldson has been dealing with an ailing shoulder throughout the regular season, an issue that plagued him throughout spring training as well, which they’ve simply called “dead arm”. The situation has improved since Opening Day against the Yankees when he looked like he was in big trouble, but obviously not enough to keep him in the lineup on a regular basis, even with regular DH Kendrys Morales also on the DL.

According to reports, including a tweet from Ben Nicholson-Smith, Donaldson does not have any further damage in the shoulder, but because it has not yet improved with periodic rest, it looks like they’ve decided to shut him down for awhile. The 10 day DL allows for a pretty short stint on the sidelines, but it’s still not a great sign for the “Bringer of Rain” or the Blue Jays, who are off to a hot start at 8-5 so far.

More from Jays Journal

• Matt Chapman has been exactly what the Blue Jays needed
• Blue Jays: The goalposts are moving in the right direction
• Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays advance to the Championship Series
• Blue Jays: Comparisons for Alek Manoah’s Second Season
• Blue Jays: Adam Cimber, the unlikely decision King

Donaldson is due to be a free agent at season’s end, and while he’s been quite durable throughout his career, he’s dealt with his share of nagging injuries over the last couple of seasons. At 32, he and his agent had likely hoped to have a full season without an appearance on the disabled list, but if this is truly the minor issue the Blue Jays are making it out to be, a short rest should be enough to get him back on track.

For his part, Hernandez brings an exciting bat with him to Toronto, and some capable outfield defence that could show up in any of the three positions. My assumption would be that Curtis Granderson and/or Steve Pearce will see more appearances at DH in Donaldson an Morales’ absence, which would allow for Hernandez to play in the outfield. The Blue Jays could also elect to keep Randal Grichuk on the bench a little more until he starts hitting as well, but not playing isn’t going to help him get into a groove either.

For now, all we know is that Blue Jays will be without Donaldson throughout their series with Cleveland, during their home series with Kansas City, and likely through all or most of their four game set in New York. Hopefully the down time will be all Donaldson needs to get back on the field, as the Blue Jays definitely need his production in their lineup to be at their best.

Next: Top pitching prospect has yet to pitch