Blue Jays’ Josh Donaldson dealing with calf issue

Blue Jays manager John Gibbons discusses a few options at shortstop until Troy Tulowitzki is ready, and says you can pretty much write Tulo off right now for opening day.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Josh Donaldson‘s dealing with a calf issue, but the Toronto Blue Jays expect him to return to the lineup at some point soon, according to manager John Gibbons.

“Not sure,” Gibbons said when asked about a possible return date. “Next few days, I would think. We’ll see.”

Donaldson last played on Saturday, but he left the game due to dehydration. He wasn’t scheduled to make the trip to Fort Myers, Fla. on Thursday, so the earliest he could return is Friday barring a minor-league appearance.

Donaldson battled a calf strain last spring and into the early part of the season. However, there’s no indication that this current issue is close to comparable in severity.

In a more encouraging development for the Blue Jays, Donaldson’s “shoulder’s fine,” Gibbons said.

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