DUNEDIN, Fla. – Josh Donaldson describes the calf cramp he experienced over the weekend as a “non-issue” and says he expects to play Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies.
“It’s getting ridiculous,” Donaldson said. “I had a cramp the other day in my calf. It’s not an issue. Have you ever had a cramp?”
Donaldson exited Saturday’s game with what the team described as dehydration. He had acupuncture afterwards, was sore the following day and made sure not to push himself excessively early in the week. By Tuesday, he took batting practice on the field in Dunedin while the team played in Orlando.
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On Tuesday afternoon, Gibbons said he expected that Donaldson would return to the field before long, and clarified that Donaldson had experienced calf soreness over the weekend.
“Not sure,” Gibbons said when asked about a return date. “Next few days, I would think. We’ll see.”
Donaldson missed time last year with a right calf strain, but the cramp he sustained over the weekend doesn’t seem comparable in severity. Gibbons has never suggested that Donaldson’s cramp was at all serious, but when it comes to the Blue Jays’ best player, anything that prevents him from taking the field is worth monitoring.
“Gibby needs to just stop talking,” Donaldson said with a grin.
If Donaldson returns to the field as expected Friday, his presence will speak for both of them.
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