Donaldson’s days might be numbered
Time is running out for the Blue Jays to trade pending free-agent third baseman Josh Donaldson prior to the waiver deadline, which arrives Friday at midnight.
As first reported by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale on Twitter, Donaldson is expected to begin a minor-league rehab assignment with Class-A Dunedin on Tuesday at home against the Palm Beach Cardinals.
Time is getting tight for trading Donaldson.
He has been on the disabled list with calf tightness since May 29. Following the non-waiver trade deadline on July 31, players must be placed on revocable trade waivers any time in August before they can be traded. However, for a player on the DL, the waiver process cannot begin until the player has begun a rehab assignment and proven that he is healthy — meaning playing his position and performing with normal ability.
The belief is that Donaldson must successfully play at least one game at third base and emerge healthy. That being said, the two-day waiver period could begin on Wednesday, thus expiring at 4 p.m. on Thursday afternoon, allowing a full day for the Jays to see if a deal is possible with the claiming team. A player is not eligible for the post-season unless he is part of the said organization prior to Sept. 1.
Donaldson has played just 36 games in 2018, batting .234 with five homers, 16 RBIs and a .756 OPS.