Donaldson’s ‘tough year’ ends in playoff sweep
Indians and former Blue Jays star bounced in a hurry by Astros, writes Rob Longley.
It was almost a taunting CLEVELAND end to the most frustrating season of Josh Donaldson’s career.
With his Cleveland Indians getting thumped 11-3 by the Houston Astros on the way to being clinically swept in three games of this one-sided American League Division Series, the former Toronto Blue Jays third baseman had one final trip to the plate.
So of course he belted out a single, his first hit in 11 playoff atbats for the team Toronto dealt him to on Aug. 31. Nothing about the 2018 season, one that was projected to secure him a big-ticket deal in free agency, turned out the way Donaldson hoped. From the injuries in Toronto that resulted in a lengthy stint on the disabled list, to a prolonged clash with management over the way his rehab was being handled, to eventually being traded for next to nothing, the campaign was a disaster. Then, with a chance at making something out of nothing, the Indians were destroyed by the reigning World Series champions in the playoffs.
“It was a tough year, but it happens,” Donaldson said. “I’ll just try to get better in the off-season and come to work next year.” The priority for the Bringer of Rain is to leave nothing to chance physically. Back in August, he made it well-known that he was frustrated with the rehab process with the Jays while in Dunedin, Fla.
If anything, the 2015 American League MVP hopes he has learned something from the ordeal that limited him to just 36 games with the Jays.
“I wish I would have done things differently myself,” Donaldson said in a corner of the church-quiet Cleveland clubhouse following Monday’s blowout end to his season. “It’s my body. It’s my job to take care of myself.
“I’m going to take the high road on this. It’s already over and done with and I’m healthy now. I’m not going to sit here and put the blame on anyone right now. It’s up to me to find the right people to help me stay healthy.” Later on Monday, the Los Angeles Dodgers dusted off the Braves in their National League Division Series as Manny Machado cranked his second home run of the post-season and five relievers combined to pitch 42/3 innings of shutout ball in aid of starter Rich Hill for a 6-2 victory in Atlanta.
The Dodgers clinched the series 3-1 as Ryan Madson (1-0) picked up the win.
In Monday’s other game, the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees met in the Bronx with their ALDS tied at 1-1.