Blue Jays: Josh Donaldson struggles as Cleveland falters

Former Blue Jay Josh Donaldson was less than productive in the postseason, though his team as a whole didn’t contribute a whole lot in the way of offence.

When Josh Donaldson was acquired by the Cleveland Indians in late August, it was assumed that he would make at least some impact on the postseason play of the AL Central division winners.

Unfortunately, Donaldson struggled mightily in the playoffs, going 1-for-11 with four strikeouts and a walk. Playing in all three games of the Indians’ abysmal ALDS against the Houston Astros, Donaldson was, just like many of his teammates, neutralized at the plate.

Additionally, Donaldson left three men on base and saw 4.75 pitches per at-bat, on average. Less than ideal, to say the least.

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“It was a tough year,” Donaldson told Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun following the loss. Though Donaldson was solid at the hot corner (making a nice play in Game Two), he also made a bad throw in the second game that proved costly for Cleveland.

As a whole they couldn’t put anything together at the plate. Superstars Jose Ramirez (0-for-11, RBI, 3 K) and Edwin Encarnacion (1-for-10, 4K) were unable to produce, while complimentary pieces Michael Brantley (2-for-10, RBI, K) and Jason Kipnis (1-for-9, 6 K, 3 LOB) were equally sterile with the stick.

Overall, Cleveland was unable to match the ferocity of the reigning World Series champs. While it’s uncertain just how big a contract Donaldson will get this offseason, it’s a sure thing that a poor postseason performance won’t be of much help in that department.

Though the sample size is small, this series, though brief, would’ve given the 2015 American League MVP a chance to regain some of the stock he lost in his injury-riddled 2018 season.