Donaldson’s return to Jays still up in air

BALTIMORE Manager John Gibbons has given up trying to figure out when or if he might see former American League MVP Josh Donaldson in a Blue Jays uniform.

Donaldson is scheduled to be in a Jays uniform Tuesday, albeit that of the single-a Dunedin variety, as he begins a rehab assignment two months less a day after he went on the DL.

Beyond that is where it gets difficult.

“I’ve got no way of telling or knowing that,” Gibbons said when asked how long the rehab assignment will last. “It’s one of those things when he knocks on the (clubhouse) door, we’ll know. Otherwise, I’ve got no idea.”

The possibility of Donaldson playing meaningful baseball for the Jays is diminishing by the day. While it’s possible a quick couple games in Dunedin could have him ready to join the big team Friday in Florida when they begin a threegame series with the Marlins, he could also be dealt.

The trade possibilities are where things get complicated. Before Donaldson can be moved prior to the Aug. 31 deadline, he has to both show he’s healthy enough for a team to take a chance and to clear waivers. He can’t be placed on waivers until he’s activated, and that process takes 48 hours.

PANNONE ENCORE

In no way does Thomas Pannone expect his second big-league start to match the first, that being a performance last week against the Orioles that included taking a no-hitter into the seventh inning.

But Pannone, who will get the ball here at Camden Yards on Tuesday in the second game of the three-game series, is hoping some of the good from that debut will stick.

“I’ll definitely have a better sense of confidence going out there and preparing when I wake up in the morning and the way I feel inside when I go to the park,” Pannone said.

“The other day I definitely had some nerves running through my body. I don’t think I’ll have that as much the second time out.”