TORONTO – The right hip soreness that’s bothering Josh Donaldson has lingered longer than expected, prompting the Toronto Blue Jays to get an MRI on the reigning AL MVP. Donaldson aggravated his hip recently and has not appeared in a game since Sunday, though the soreness was initially expected to dissipate by now.
“It’s not something where I could go out there and perform in a manner that would help the team,” Donaldson said after Wednesday’s 8-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.
Donaldson continues getting treatment, including acupuncture, from the Blue Jays’ training staff in the hopes that he can play Thursday when the Blue Jays open a seven-game road trip in Anaheim. For now, the Blue Jays await the results of an MRI taken during Wednesday’s game.
“He’s more miserable than any player right now that exists that we’re in this hunt and he can’t contribute,” GM Ross Atkins said. “There’s no doubt about that.”
While moving forward isn’t an issue for Donaldson, he continues having trouble rotating or moving from side to side. Atkins acknowledged that Donaldson’s hip is “not significantly better or he would be playing,” but the Blue Jays remain hopeful that it won’t lead to a longer absence.
“We’ll know more after we get an MRI,” Atkins said.
Donaldson has played in 158 games each of the last three years, earning a reputation as a tough player who can produce even while banged up. Leg soreness has bothered Donaldson throughout the season, dating back to April when he battled a calf issue.
“For him to be saying ‘It’s barking pretty good,’ it’s barking pretty good,” manager John Gibbons said.
Donaldson has 34 home runs and a .284/.400/.552 batting line with 6.6 wins above replacement this year. However, he has struggled at the plate lately, going seven consecutive starts without a hit for the first time in his career. Atkins said that stretch has no connection “whatsoever” to Donaldson’s hip issue.
Considering the closely packed American League playoff picture, the Blue Jays need all the production they can get from their third baseman.
“He’s a special player,” Atkins said. “He’s integral to this team. You can’t prepare to lose a player of that calibre. However, it does take 40 players, 25 players. It takes a team to win. We do have depth in those areas and feel good about our options, but this guy’s the reigning MVP.”
Wednesday’s loss to the Rays means the Baltimore Orioles pass Toronto in the standings, at least for now.
“We still control our own destiny,” Donaldson said. “We believe in each other. We believe we’re going to right the ship.”
