Blue Jays Quick Hits: Josh Donaldson, trade interest, waivers and more

Blue Jays news and notes from the morning of August 31st, 2018, including an update on Josh Donaldson’s rehab and reported interest in Marco Estrada.

Heyman: Estrada Cleared Waivers, Desire Not There

Jon Heyman of Fancred recently reported in his latest edition of “Inside Baseball” that Blue Jays starter Marco Estrada is believed to have cleared waivers. Though Heyman notes that Estrada’s “radar readings are down”, the Jays are still hoping to get a deal done before the deadline.

Donaldson Goes Yard In Second Rehab Game

Rehabbing Josh Donaldson, who yesterday was the subject of ample trade speculation, homered in his second rehab game for the High-A Dunedin Blue Jays. While Donaldson managed to go 1-for-3, he did make an error in the field. He did not play in the second game of Dunedin’s doubleheader Thursday.

Granderson Quietly Helping Trade Value

Veteran outfielder Curtis Granderson, who is one of the more likely names to be traded today, has been solidly improving his trade value, slashing a respectable .288/.351/.470 since July 24 with six doubles, two home runs and 13 runs scored in 66 at-bats. Granderson, 37, has been worth 0.6 WAR this season.

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Morales Clears Waivers

The red-hot Kendrys Morales has also cleared waivers, Heyman reports on Twitter. Since the beginning of August, Morales has slashed .253/.326/.578 with nine home runs (including eight in seven games), 17 RBI and nine walks in 92 plate appearances. Rather surprisingly, Morales is currently sixth on the team in WAR (1.3).

Oh Solid In Colorado

Since being traded to the Colorado Rockies, veteran reliever Seunghwan Oh has been excellent. This month, he’s pitched to an outstanding 1.69 ERA in 10.2 frames, holding opposing hitters to a slash line of .158/.256/.263 and has racked up three holds and a save while striking out 13 and walking just five.

Santos Outrighted

According to a team announcement, right-handed pitcher Luis Santos has been assigned to Triple-A Buffalo after being designated for assignment earlier this week. The 27-year-old, who has posted a 7.20 ERA in 20.0 major league frames this season, has spent most of this year with the Buffalo Bisons.