Jays, Donaldson back on track
TORONTO — Not even a two-homer night was enough to satisfy Josh Donaldson.
The Blue Jays third baseman, who returned from a calf injury just a week ago, led Toronto in a 7-5 win over the New York Yankees on Friday with a pair of solo homers, bringing his home run tally to three over his last three games.
“I’m not where I want to be right now, but I am getting a few pitches to hit and I haven’t missed them,” Donaldson said. “But there’s still definitely some at-bats I feel I could do a better job at.
“I’m still working and trying to improve.”
Justin Smoak, one of the Blue Jays top offensive producers this season, drove in three runs and Francisco Liriano pitched into the sixth in his return from the DL as Toronto held off a tough New York lineup.
Smoak had two hits in total, including a two-run homer, scored twice and added a sacrifice fly for the Blue Jays (27-28) to bring his RBI total to a team-high 37. He had 34 RBI’s in 2016.
“Honestly, I’m just trying to have good at-bats and go from there,” Smoak said. “I’ve always had high expectations for myself and it’s just going out there and grinding out every day right now.”
Donaldson, who saw a lot of Smoak when both played in the AL West — the former with Oakland and the latter with Seattle — said he’s seen a marked change in the way Smoak has approached his atbats over the years.
“It’s very satisfying to see all the work and everything that he’s put in and him starting to have continued success,” Donaldson said. “Every day you’re expecting something out of him and he’s coming through.”
Devon Travis drove in a run on another sac fly, and Roberto Osuna closed it out for his 12th save.
Liriano (3-2), activated off the DL (left shoulder inflammation) earlier in the day, allowed two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out five through five innings in his first start since May 10.