Donaldson back in Blue Jays lineup after extensive treatment

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Michael Saunders joins Barry Davis to talk about the type of warrior Josh Donaldson is and all the behind the scenes people who get all the players ready to play.

BOSTON – Josh Donaldson approached George Poulis Saturday and asked the Toronto Blue Jays’ head trainer for some help. Sidelined with soreness in the webbing area between his right thumb and index finger, Donaldson said something like ‘do everything you can to get me out there.’

The only difference? "It wasn’t said that nicely," Poulis recalls. The ensuing treatment included everything from ice to electric stimulation to ultrasound and continued late into the night, long after the Blue Jays and Red Sox finished playing.

"We just ambushed him," Poulis said. "Just trying to get that swelling and discomfort out of there. He responded great. He’s a warrior."

The treatment worked, as Donaldson returned to the lineup as the Blue Jays’ designated hitter for their series finale against the Boston Red Sox. Matt Dominguez, recalled Sunday to replace Ryan Tepera on the roster, starts at third base to allow Donaldson to take a break from throwing with his sore right hand. The Blue Jays are hopeful the partial day off will strike the balance between generating offence and keeping the reigning AL MVP healthy.

"He’s smart enough to let us know if he needs another day and he definitely did not say that," Poulis said.

The addition of Dominguez gives the Blue Jays some insurance at third base should Donaldson require a few days as DH, and expands the Blue Jays’ bench to four. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays’ bullpen is back to seven relievers with the demotion of Tepera.

The soreness flared up Friday for Donaldson, when he was jammed on a couple of pitches. He’ll undergo more treatment Sunday and wear a thumb protector, but isn’t expected to require any painkillers, besides Advil.

"People can get better quick with a lot of treatment," Poulis said. “There’s something special about that breed of athlete. The position players in Major League Baseball on every single team, my whole career, I’ve always respected those guys. Day in, day out the stuff they go through with their bodies.”

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