With the Toronto Blue Jays succumbing to the David Price quandary-solving Texas Rangers in Game 1 of the ALDS on Thursday by the final of 5-3, here’s one case of literally adding injury to insult.
Third baseman Josh Donaldson, Toronto’s resident AL MVP frontrunner, was forced to exit the playoff contest in the fourth inning after taking a knee right smack in the face from Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor while trying to break up a double play.
Donaldson’s departure was precautionary, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
Donaldson removed for precautionary reasons after getting kneed in the head. Being evaluated now.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 8, 2015
The good news for the Blue Jays, who also saw fellow slugger Jose Bautista leave in the ninth inning with hamstring tightness, is that Donaldson passed concussion tests, and both he and Bautista are expected to be good to go for Game 2 on Friday.
Donaldson passed concussion tests. Will be monitored, expected to be fine. Bautista rt hamstring tightness. Mild. Expected to play tomorrow.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 8, 2015
Amidst the modern-day Murderer’s Row that is the Blue Jays’ offense, Donaldson could be the most murderous one of all. He clubbed 41 home runs and 123 RBIs during the regular season on a slash line of .297/.371/.568 while playing Gold Glove-level defense at third base. Donaldson could wind up taking home the MVP award after the season (though one Mike Trout probably has something to say about that), and his health is arguably the most important factor for Toronto as they chase their first World Series title in over two decades.
Video via Baseball Reddit
