Blue Jays’ Josh Donaldson to begin rehab games

Toronto Blue Jays slugger Josh Donaldson will DH today in Dunedin as the third baseman begins his rehab back from a shoulder injury.

Josh Donaldson has been sidelined since April 10th after dealing with a nagging shoulder issue on his throwing arm since spring training. Donaldson had noticeably struggled all season making the throw across the diamond leading up to the DL stint.

The timing of the injury could not be more problematic on a personal level for the former MVP as he is poised to become a free agent at season’s end. The shoulder issue coupled with the 32-year-olds calf issues last season could make prospective suitors leery of locking up the aging star long term. Last season Donaldson suited up for 113 games missing nearly 50 games due to injury.

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When healthy there is no questioning J.D. is one of the most dynamic talents in the majors and one the Jays definitely need to be firing on all cylinders if they are going to be contenders in the AL East this season.

Donaldson has only played in 12 games thus far this season and only seven were at the hot corner. He was batting .239 with three round-trippers when he officially landed on the 10-day DL. The Jays have been somewhat fortunate on the injury front as Troy Tulowitzki is the only other player from the 25-man roster sidelined.

The Jays are 6-7 in 13 games without Donaldson in the lineup and have struggled of late with runners in scoring position so they could definitely benefit from the offensive clout he supplies when in the lineup. If Donaldson can get through some rehab games without suffering a setback, the path to his return should be much clearer and in the foreseeable future.

Next: Blue Jays: The Mantra of Curtis Granderson

Donaldson will face the Clearwater Threshers and top pitching prospect Sixto Sanchez when he suits up for the baby Blue Jays tonight at Dunedin Stadium.